Plan Insurance Blog

Plan very proud to be a sponsor at the Family Business of the Year Awards!

We were very proud to be a part of the event and sponsor the Transport and Logistics Award that was picked up by Stalkers Transport.

‘Well done to Karen Stalker,  fantastically well-deserved victory for Stalkers Transport in our category, “Transport & Logistics”! Great to meet you and hear your family business story…’ Grant Georgiades, MD Plan Insurance Brokers

FBOTY 2018

As previous winners of the People’s Choice Award for best family run firm in London & South East region, we know that winning here is a great achievement, and were delighted to sponsor a category for this 2018 edition of the Family Business of the Year Awards.

The awards, in their sixth year and hosted by Family Business United, are a major event in the family business calendar, celebrating the contribution that these companies make to the UK economy. Over 170 attendees gathered at the prestigious May Fair Hotel in London, for what was a fantastic evening, celebrating great businesses and crowning the winners.

As Paul Andrews, Founder and Managing Director of Family Business United (‘FBU’) explains,

“We were delighted to pull together such a vibrant bunch of family businesses for the 2018 awards, some that have succeeded for numerous generations and continue to thrive, and others that are relatively young but have great values at the heart of what they do.”

The Transport and logistics category was very competitive this year, with fantastic firms shortlisted, so winning the award is a great testament to the quality of the business, as Paul Andrews continues:

“This category was particularly strong and there were good contenders for the title from all across the UK. As winners, Stalkers have demonstrated resilience, strength and positivity in taking the business forward with a focused desire of creating a great firm.”

“Maintaining good old fashioned family values whilst delivering a first class service to loyal customers, they have come from a humble beginning starting out with just one truck to become a shining example of how hard work, tenacity, pride and family pull together and succeed. Stalkers are worthy winners of the Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year Award and fully deserve all the accolades that it brings. A great family business.”

About Stalkers Transport

Founded in 1968 in Cumbria, and hitting their 50th year anniversary this year, Stalkers Transport pride themselves on a strong understanding of the supply and demand chain,  and their ability to meet the needs of their customers through quality, flexibility, commitment and innovation. The company continuously strengthens and develops its successful range of distribution, storage and groupage services.

Seeing what the business – started with only one truck 50 years ago – has achieved, is a first class example of how family, pride and hard work do really pay off. They deserve all the accolades that this award brings and we would like to wish them the best of luck in the future.

Congratulations to all the winners…

Supreme Champion Family Business of the Year: Zonal

Small Family Business of the Year: Millers Fish & Chips

Special Achievement Award – Innovation: Francis Kirk & Son

Special Achievement Award – Entrepreneurship:  Grasmere Gingerbread

Lifetime Achievement Award: Frank Maxwell, Fracino

Family Business Apprentice of the Year: Adam Knowles, Bagnalls

National People’ Choice Family Business of the Year: Dunns Food & Drink

Special Award – The Ones To Watch: Glawning and the Bath House

The People’s Choice Awards – Regional Winners 

  • Yorkshire People’s Choice – Wharfe Valley
  • North of England & Northern Ireland People’s Choice – Herdy
  • Scotland People’s Choice – Dunns Food & Drink
  • Midlands People’s Choice – Tiggs
  • South & South West People’s Choice – New Wave Marine
  • East & East Anglia People’s Choice – The Highfield Event Group
  • Wales People’s Choice – Steamin’ Mugs
  • London & South East People’s Choice – Crafty Arts

South & South West Family Business of the Year: Oxford Products

North & Northern Ireland Family Business of the Year: Pioneer Food Service

London & South East Family Business of the Year: O’Donovan Waste Management

Wales Family Business of the Year: Clifford Jones Timber

East & East Anglia Family Business of the Year: Century Office

Midlands Family Business of the Year: Hodgkinsons

Yorkshire Family Business of the Year: Harrison Spinks

Scotland Family Business of the Year: Zonal

Manufacturing Family Business of the Year: Harrison Spinks

Food Distribution Family Business of the Year: JW Filshill

Retail Family Business of the Year: Arighi Bianchi

Food & Drink Family Business of the Year: Westons Cider

Health & Welfare Family Business of the Year: The Principle Healthcare Group

Hotel & Leisure Family Business of the Year: Tewkesbury Park

Transport & Logistics Family Business of the Year: Stalkers Transport

Property & Construction Family Business of the Year: Roland Hill

We are very much looking forward to the 2019 edition of the Family Business of the Year Awards already! If you’d like to attend this popular event next year or even enter an award, make sure you visit the Family Business United website for further information.