Staff and guests at Huddersfield-based components supplier Accu celebrated the company’s prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.
The award for international trade was presented at the firm’s Brockholes HQ by the King’s representative, Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Ed Anderson.
Accu – which employs over 100 people and supplies over 50% of the world’s top 100 manufacturers – has grown its overseas sales by 288% per year for the last six years, with overseas orders now accounting for 25% of its total sales. Overall, the company has more than 100,000 active customers.
Accu, which has just opened its new 45,000 sq ft £1 million HQ in the historic former Brook Motors factory, invited guests for a tour of its facilities. Find out more about Accu HERE.
Speaking at the event, UK managing director Alastair Morris said receiving the award was a proud moment for the business.
The company, launched just 13 years ago from the bedrooms of founders and childhood friends Martin Ackroyd and Antony Kitson, has seen turnover grow from £1.7 million to £14 million in just six years.
“The growth of this business has been relentless,” said Alastair. “It’s an amazing business to be coming out of Brockholes, out of Huddersfield and around the world.”
He added: “What we do is special. Almost 30% of our sales are going out of the UK, mostly to the United States, and to almost 100 countries around the world.”
Alastair said the King’s Award, which dates back to 1965, had the strictest criteria. He added: “It’s a rigorous award and the checking that goes into it is unparalleled. That’s why this award is an amazing achievement.”
Accu’s staff are just as important as its customers and Alastair said: “You only get satisfied customers by having satisfied employees and making this a great place to work is central to that.”
Accu staff work hard and play hard too. For the last two years the company has operated a four-day working week, which Alastair said had massively increased productivity with working hours more focused and intensive.
The company celebrates each employee’s Accu-versary, supports volunteering and has regular staff social events, the latest being an Olympics event last week.
Presenting the award, the Lord-Lieutenant said the King’s Award was aimed at the “very best of British businesses” and added: “It’s the most prestigious award that any UK company can win and it’s recognised around the world.”
The scroll presented to award winners was the only one of its kind to be signed by both the King and the Prime Minister.
“There are many examples of companies increasing sales as a result of receiving this award,” said Mr Anderson.
“It’s an accolade for past achievements but it’s also a springboard for future growth. The twin focus of customer service and employee focus is a winning recipe for any business.
“I’ve really enjoyed the positive vibe surrounding this company.”
Images courtesy: Dom Denison, Bespoke Imagery
