We love it when businesses send us their good news and here’s our latest good news round-up, kindly sponsored by PALADIN. Awards, expansion, new contracts or new appointments, if you’ve got some good news you want to share please email the editor, Martin Shaw, on martin@huddersfieldhub.co.uk.
A financial services firm founded by Huddersfield businessman Ken Davy has been accredited as an outstanding company to work for.
Fintel PLC, based in St Andrew’s Road, Huddersfield, was set up in 2002 by Mr Davy as SimplyBiz.
Fintel, a leading provider of support services to the UK retail financial services sector, has been accredited by Best Companies as an ‘Outstanding Company to Work For’ and one of the 20 ‘Best Companies to Work For’ in the UK financial services sector.
Best Companies is a workplace certification programme that measures and recognises workplace engagement based on an anonymous employee survey.
The accreditation was judged on employee longevity, investment in staff, professional development opportunities and a ‘thriving’ work culture.
It found that: 92% of staff said their manager talks openly and honestly with them; 90% of staff feel they can make a valuable contribution to the success of the organisation; and 81% of staff agreed they are happy with the balance between their work and home life.
Fintel employs 480 people operating under its SimplyBiz and Defaqto brands with employees staying with the company for an average of 5.9 years.
Matt Timmins, joint CEO of Fintel, said: “We’re delighted to be awarded this accolade by Best Companies, made all the more important as it’s been voted for by our people.
“Embracing employee feedback is a fundamental part of our culture as we focus on building an environment where everyone can thrive and we’re very proud to have this recognised via our Best Companies achievement.
“Our people are our driving force and when they succeed, so does the business. Thank you to everyone who makes Fintel what it is.”
A bed retailer has bounced back from the impact of the pandemic to record a 50% leap in year-on-year revenue, taking its turnover to more than £15 million.
Bed Kingdom, which sells online and has a showroom in Heckmondwike, has grown rapidly and seen turnover rise from £2 million five years ago. The firm is targeting a £20 million turnover by the end of 2023.
The company has invested strongly in its people and has tripled its workforce to 30. Bed Kingdom founder and managing director Ashley Hainsworth said: “We’re incredibly proud of the way our business is growing and developing.”
New marketing director Levon Hall is an example of how the company invests in its staff. Levon joined Bed Kingdom as an apprentice a little over a year ago, aged just 22. He quickly demonstrated a talent for marketing and social media management leading to his rapid promotion.
Levon said: “It’s a very exciting time for Bed Kingdom. We are really set apart from other retailers by our young and ambitious team that is always full of fresh ideas.”
Nurtur Student Living has won Most Outstanding Small PBSA Operator in the North of England from the Real Estate & Property Awards with BUILD Magazine.
Nominations for awards are submitted anonymously, before a judging panel casts their final judgement. Winners are selected based on a vast number of criteria including testimonials, performance, growth and significant innovations within the business.
Following Huddersfield-based Nurtur’s win at the Global Student Living Live conference in London recently for Best Small Operator, and a shortlist recognising the company’s student health and wellbeing initiative, this further strengthens the operator’s leading performance in the industry.
Director of sales and operations Emma Young said: “We are delighted to receive so much recognition. The Nurtur Student Living team is a force to be reckoned with!”
Winners for the Health and Wellbeing award will be announced at Property Week’s Student Accommodation Awards London ceremony on December 7.
Integrated agency The Bigger Boat (TBB) has announced the appointment of four new recruits — as it strives to nurture creative talent and serve its ever-expanding client roster.
Aiming to offer a career journey that will see crewmates grow and develop alongside the company, the Mirfield-based business has recently recruited its first graphic design intern, Eve Molloy. Having previously undertaken work experience with the business, she has now joined as graphic design intern on a day-a-week basis, alongside her university studies.
Meanwhile, digital marketing executive, University of Huddersfield graduate Liam Hayward, will bolster the team’s capabilities, specialising in paid advertising, search engine optimisation and conversion rate optimisation.
As a former project manager and PRINCE2 practitioner, account manager Liam Colgan will be a key contact for clients, organising and distributing workload to ensure timely outcomes for clients.
With significant experience in the music and hospitality industries, senior account manager Danny Oliver brings a strong digital skillset. Responsible for ensuring clients achieve strategic and operational goals, Danny will drive activity while bringing added value, especially in his areas of specialism, which include marketing and management. His ambition is to become TBB’s next account director.
MD Andrew McCaul said: “It’s always exciting bringing new talent on board. Offering people the opportunity to take the next step in their careers is infinitely rewarding.
“As a business we’re committed to creating an environment in which we nurture talent at all levels. Not only is it crucial for the continued success of our business, but for the industry in general.”
