On 16th November 2018, The Principal Hotel (now the Kimpton) in Manchester played host to the glittering 26th instalment of the Manchester Evening News Business Awards. Over 350 people from industries across the region were present to recognise and celebrate the achievements of a number of Greater Manchester based companies.
One big winner on the night was catering equipment suppliers H.G. Stephenson (known affectionately as Stephensons), who were named Manchester Business of the Year in the £10-25 Million Turnover category. The Stockport-based family business pipped consumer insights agency Join the Dots and experiential trip planners Sports Tours International to the award after months of build-up that included judging on a business overview essay, multiple interviews, and a site visit.
MEN business editor Shelina Begum said:
“We say it every year but the quality of entrants this time around was truly exceptional. Arriving at the final shortlist was no easy task, with hundreds of great entries across all categories. All of the nominees and category winners should be hugely proud of getting this far.”
The judges highlighted a “widespread passion throughout the business” and “a thorough understanding of the market” in swaying their decision to name Stephensons as the recipients of this prestigious award.
The award is a fitting way to crown the company’s sesquicentennial anniversary year, with the business being established in Manchester’s Barton Arcade 150 years ago.
Commenting on the win, Managing Director Henry Stephenson said:
“This award is a fantastic way to celebrate our milestone 150th year and I think it proves how hard we’re all working. I’m of the philosophy that our history is fabulous but we cannot rest on our laurels. If we’re not competitive or we miss a delivery, it counts for very little. This is why it’s great that even after so many years as a local business, we can still be recognised as a leader in our field.”
From a market stall in Salford, to the first store in Barton Arcade, to a full-scale operation in Stockport—it’s been quite the journey for Stephensons. If awards like this are anything to go by, it would appear that it’s a journey set to continue.
Read the full MEN article here.
