SME News- Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025 Most Customer-Focused Van Hire Company 2025 - Northamptonshire Nav Van Hire is a family-run flexible contract van rental company based in Northamptonshire, offering an ever-changing range of commercial vehicles nationwide. For over 10 years, it has been specialising in Low Loader & long wheelbase vans, having also introduced an exciting range of SWB, electric vans and a variety of cars to accommodate all needs. When hiring a vehicle from Nav Van Hire, customers receive full support from a helpful team, including vehicle maintenance, meaning they can enjoy a seamless process time and again. We take a closer look at what makes Nav Van Hire an award-winning business. Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025
Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025 Phone: 0203 970 0018 Website: smenews.digital Sofi Parry Senior Editor No information contained on or in this website constitutes investment advice or an offer to invest or to provide management services and is subject to correction, completion and amendment without notice. Neither AI nor any of its associated entities are authorised to give financial advice of any nature nor are they regulated by the Financial Services Authority. Prior to making any investment, AI recommends that any prospective investor should consult with its own investment, accounting, legal and tax advisers to evaluate independently the risks, consequences and suitability of that investment. AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. SME News is excited to announce the return of the longstanding Midlands Enterprise Awards in 2025! This programme proudly celebrates the exceptional businesses and individuals driving growth, innovation, and sustainability across the Midlands region. Spanning advanced manufacturing and technology to retail, hospitality, and professional services, these prestigious awards shine a spotlight on those who exemplify resilience, creativity, and excellence in this dynamic business landscape. The Midlands’ economy has long been the backbone of British enterprise, with roots in the Industrial Revolution and a reputation for world-class manufacturing. Today, it continues to grow, contributing over £240 billion annually to the UK’s economy. The region is home to leading industries, including automotive manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, and life sciences, all of which are pivotal in shaping the UK’s future. The area’s strategic location at the centre of the country, coupled with ongoing infrastructure projects like HS2, positions the Midlands as a key driver of national economic growth. Looking ahead, the Midlands is expected to remain at the forefront of innovation, with trends such as digital transformation, green technology, and AI integration driving business development. Regional initiatives supporting startups and SMEs, alongside investments in skills and infrastructure, are fostering a fertile ground for enterprise. For instance, the region’s advanced manufacturing sector continues to excel, with global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Rolls-Royce leading the way.
Contents 4. Nav Van Hire Ltd: Most Customer-Focused Van Hire Company 2025 - Northamptonshire 6. ELR Homecare LTDL: Homecare Provider of the Year 2025 – West Midlands 8. Kembla Ltd: Residential Solar Company of the Year 2025 - West Midlands 10. Elite Oils Ltd: Best Industrial Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids Supplier 2025 12. Colour Match: Best Colour Matching Specialists 2025 14. Shed City: Best Garden Building Supplier 2025 – West Midlands 15. RYTC Creatives CIC (The RYTC & Education Selection Box Partnership): Best Inclusive Creative Learning Partnership 2025 – Warwickshire 16. W.H.Tildesley Ltd – Drop Forging Specialist: Best Nationwide Drop Forging Company 2025 17. Revolver Design Studios Ltd: Best Independent Brand & Digital Design Studio 2025 - Staffordshire 18. Safety Forward Ltd: Best Nationwide Health & Safety Consultancy Firm 2025 19. Wyke Financial: Best Mortgage & Insurance Brokerage 2025 – Northamptonshire 20. LJM Homecare: Domiciliary Care Provider of the Year 2025 21. David James Estate Agents: Best Independent Estate & Letting Agency 2025 - Nottingham 22. Whittington Soccer Centre: Most Dedicated Community Sports Coaching Company 2025 - Staffordshire 23. Resonate Systems Ltd: Best Soundproofing & Underfloor Heating Specialists 2025 24. Approved Bathrooms, Kitchens, & Tiling: Bathroom Design & Installation Company of the Year 2025 – Derbyshire & Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 25. Wrights Estate Agents: Best Residential Real Estate Agency 2025 – Shropshire 26. RTS (Riverside Training Spalding Ltd): Early Years Apprenticeship Provider of the Year 2025 - East Midlands 27. Kimberley Dental: Best Family Dental Practice 2025 – Nottingham & Patient Care Excellence Award 2025 28. Corporate Smarts Ltd: Best Financial Services Training Provider 2025 29. CloserStill Media: Best B2B Events & Exhibitions Organiser 2025 30. People Centred Excellence: Best Lean Awareness Training Provider 2025 31. Kinver Business Solutions Ltd: Best Business Management Consultancy 2025 - Black Country 32. Howe2 Training & Consultancy Ltd: Best Health & Social Care Training Company 2025 33. ABR Solicitors Limited: Best Nationwide Criminal Defence Law Firm 2025 34. Prospero Mediation and Training: Most Innovative Workplace Mediation Provider 2025 35. The Stardust Experience: Best Children's Ghostwriting Specialists 2025 36. 3XM Marketing: Best Small Business Strategic Marketing Firm 2025 37. Welfy: Best Workplace Welfare Training Provider 2025 - West Midlands 38. Bayleaf Care Limited: Most Innovative Children's Therapeutic Care Provider 2025 39. AD Medical Air Assist: Medical Repatriation Specialists of the Year 2025 40. Nordic Timber Buildings Ltd: Timber Building Products & Services Company of the Year 2025 41. RJL Interiors Ltd: Best Specialist Fit-Out Contractor 2025 42. Zenzero: Best Outsourced Technology Support Provider 2025 43. Human Alchemy: Best Leadership Development Consultancy 2025 44. Foley Park Dental and Implant Centre: Best Patient-Centered Dental Practice 2025 - West Midlands & SME Customer Service Excellence Award 2025 45. Design 44: Best Lifestyle & Gift Retailer 2025 & Local Artisan Support Excellence Award 2025
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 4 Most Customer-Focused Van Hire Company 2025 - Northamptonshire Nav Van Hire is a family-run flexible contract van rental company based in Northamptonshire, offering an everchanging range of commercial vehicles nationwide. For over 10 years, it has been specialising in Low Loader & long wheelbase vans, having also introduced an exciting range of SWB, electric vans and a variety of cars to accommodate all needs. When hiring a vehicle from Nav Van Hire, customers receive full support from a helpful team, including vehicle maintenance, meaning they can enjoy a seamless process time and again. We take a closer look at what makes Nav Van Hire an award-winning business. Nav Van Hire is a passionate team of people who share one goal: to be the best at what they offer and become businesses one stop option for all their vehicle needs. While not concerned with being the biggest, being the best is the most important thing to the business. It isn’t a big corporate company with over 100 staff; it is a small, tight-knit group who are on a mission to be leading experts within the transport and logistics sector. This means they are very enthusiastic about realising the client’s unique needs and that a reliable service is invaluable to them. With a wide range of high-quality, budget-friendly vans available, the team can serve any type of business, whether delivery driver, removal company, or tradesman. Nav Van Hire places great importance on listening to its customers’ needs. Recognising that businesses need cars too, it opted to add cars to its fleet. Offering a variety of different models with the understanding that everyone has their own requirement from their transportation; whether it’s a director on the road consistently, to another that needs that spacious vehicle for the weekends with their family, Nav Van Hire wish to accommodate to all. Many of Nav Van Hire’s clients discover it through word-of-mouth, sales manager visits, and visuals on its vans that are on the road across the country. It works with some of the leading depots across the UK, including Amazon, Yodel, AIT, DPD, DHL, Rhenus, DX, FedEx & furniture village, understanding what it takes to meet their needs. It recognises that the transport and logistics market is constantly and rapidly changing, and as more depots open and existing depots increase their work capacity, a reliable fleet is hugely sought after. Thus, the business’ central location makes its services more accessible to its clients. With such a central location, it benefits from being at the centre of everything, allowing for easy commutes and access to motorways. “Customers really are at the heart of everything we do. We know that without them, our vehicles wouldn’t even be on the road, and therefore, we wish to provide the best service, the best vehicles, and the fairest pricing. Every single staff member is passionate about their role, which makes us very lucky, but provides an inspiring work ethic across the board.” – Nav Van Hire Of course, Nav Van Hire needs to keep its fleet in the best condition. As such, has its own mechanics team, primarily based at their vehicle workshop, allowing them to readily be able to assist any of their customers within their fleet if required. All vehicles are provided with a tracking system, allowing Nav Van Hire to have a full overview of the vehicles at any given time, providing an additional layer of security for directors and drivers when utilising them. This is in addition to visits to client depots to perform vehicle maintenance as required. Making everything a reality at Nav Van Hire is its people. From its mechanics and drivers to admin and sales, every person is empathetic and determined, and playing their own crucial role in the business’ journey and customer satisfaction. Its directors are very present, being actively involved in decision making, and the business highly values each and every team member, viewing them as an important piece of the jigsaw that has made Nav Van Hire into the exceptional business it is today. When it comes to hiring new team members, the recruitment process is never rushed. The business began in the conservatory of the family home, and everything continues to be done in-house. Therefore, the business wishes to bring only the best talent into its team. Some of its mechanics have been with it since the very beginning, and they are more like family than employees, so their love of their work matches that of the business owners. Ultimately, the sky is the limit for Nav Van Hire – and the team know it. The future of the business is to be decided by its team members, listening closely to their feedback and ideas. With a talented team behind it, and the transport and logistics sector being in a very stable place, the business hopes that the next six months will be its most successful yet! It would like to see its car hire numbers increase, with both existing customers and new. As two worlds collide with vans and cars, it believes it has the right team to push the boundaries of what is possible. The business is also anticipating exciting changes (to start they recently changed their logo to really solidify their commitment to being there for all the customers vehicle needs, which will keep Nav Van Hire on track towards its mission of being the one stop option for companies vehicle needs. It will continue to build its presence, city by city, depot by depot, customer by customer. We at SME News are delighted to see the thriving of Nav Van Hire and to award it the title of Most Customer-Focused Van Hire Company 2025 – Northamptonshire. The future is looking extremely bright for the business, and we look forward to seeing its continued success! Lastly, we take a look at some five-star reviews from Nav Van Hire’s clients. “I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the exceptional service I received during my current van hire,” begins Saeed H. “The van was in great condition and met all my needs perfectly. Your team’s professionalism and attention to detail made the entire process smooth and hassle-free. I truly appreciate your prompt assistance and support throughout our entire business journey. Big thanks to you, Nav and the mechanic team for all your support. I will certainly recommend your services to others!” “Nav Van Hire have gone above and beyond to facilitate my family business’ needs, from five-plus Luton vans to a family car,” shares Gurpreet. “Can’t beat these prices. Contact and conversing with the main staff is brilliant – kept up-to-date with everything. Out of hours
help when required or Nav personally calls. A brilliant hire company, friendly staff, and such a humble director. Thank you to all of you.” Equally pleased, Damion R. says, “We greatly appreciate your partnership and the significant contribution you’ve made to our business growth. Nav Hire’s commitment to timely vehicle replacements and prompt resolution of any issues, regardless of size, is a testament to your dedication to superior customer service. We value your business and consider you one of our most valued clients. Keep up the good work.” Contact name: Nav Singh Company name: Nav Van Hire Ltd Website: www.navvanhire.co.uk
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 6 Domiciliary care is a vital pillar of the health and social care industry, providing essential support to individuals who need assistance with daily living but wish to remain in the comfort and familiarity of their own homes. It serves as more than simple convenience, but as a cornerstone of compassionate, sustainable care delivery. ELR Homecare stands as a beacon of excellence in this sector – championing compassion, continuity, and community-driven values at the heart of its service. We spoke to Jason Maddocks, Company Director, for more. Celebrating its tenth year of operation, ELR Homecare is a leading domiciliary care provider and a respected name in the community care sector. The company was founded in 2015 by Emma Roberts and her late father Peter Roberts, working together from a small office in their spare room. After a decade of hard work and dedication, ELR Homecare now employs more than 100 members of staff, proudly caring for almost 300 service users. ELR Homecare offers a range of services to its clients, including but not limited to personal care, medication management, companionship, care for dementia, incontinence care, meal preparation, laundry and ironing services, washing and dressing aid, domestic tasks, shopping, light housekeeping, prescription collection, and accompaniment to scheduled appointments. This comprehensive service is available from 6am to 11pm for its service users, with the aim of not making a significant profit but of caring for its service users and providing the very best possible care. “It’s not all about the numbers with us,” Jason stated. “We pride ourselves in the fact that our service users come first. Their care is paramount to us and our staff. We do have such an amazing team of staff; from the office staff to the carers, we really are like one big family and are always looking out for each other. We help each other when and where we can, and I believe that is very hard to achieve within any business sector.” As ELR Homecare continues to grow, it keeps a close eye out for new additions to the team. When scouting for new talent, the company seeks out charismatic and caring individuals possessing the love and passion needed to help others from within. Once onboard, each member of the team is provided with continuous opportunities for professional development. In fact, ELR Homecare has its own dedicated training centre, in which third-party companies visit weekly to train the staff on an array of modules – from starter courses to refresher courses. At present, the company has several staff members completing NVQ and Diplomas through its local college as adult learners, demonstrating the company-wide commitment fostered at ELR Homecare. Staff retention is also a key element of ELR Homecare’s success, as the company understands the importance of employee satisfaction to delivering quality care. Staff turnover is incredibly high across all fields of the care sector, and ELR Homecare works to fight this with a number of schemes and incentives in place to express its appreciation for its team. ELR Homecare provides its team with performance bonuses, spa days, and employee of the month awards, to name a few of its incentives. Most recently, the company is in the process of organising a free book exchange programme between its staff and service users, using this initiative to not only foster connection, but to encourage more reading across all ages. To further promote this endeavour, ELR Homecare maintains a bookshelf in its reception area, where staff and service can take free books, swap their own books, or simply donate for others to read. Recognised for its dedication to both its staff and service users, ELR Homecare has received multiple industry awards – testament to not only its team’s tireless commitment but also the community’s trust. The company placed in the Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Awards presented by GHP News in 2023 and 2024, named the West Midlands’ Best Home Care Provider 2023 and the West Midlands’ Most Empowering Home Care Provider 2024. In 2025, ELR Homecare was declared the West Midlands’ Best Personalised Home Care Provider in GHP News’ Global Excellence Awards 2025, as well as the region’s Best Homecare Provider 2025 in the 365 Business Award programme. In light of the company’s recent recognition of the West Midlands’ Homecare Provider of the Year 2025 in SME News’ Midlands Enterprise Awards, Jason shared: “We would like to say how proud we are of everyone who works for ELR Homecare. Without the dedication of all the amazing staff, achieving these awards would not be possible. Year upon year, we seem to be gaining recognition – with awards from many different awarding bodies – and it sure does mean a lot that everyone’s hard work is being recognised. We are extremely grateful for this award.” Being based in the Midlands provides ELR Homecare with a range of unique benefits, including the ability to operate within a very diverse, highly populated area. The company sees an incredible array of service users and staff alike, as Jason told us: “We meet some amazing people within our area and are extremely proud to say we serve the West Midlands.” That’s not to say that the journey has not been without its difficulties. In recent years, ELR Homecare has observed an increase in independent care companies closing, with new care companies struggling to get off the Homecare Provider of the Year 2025 – West Midlands
ground. There has been a steady rise in large corporate companies dominating the care sector, making it difficult for smaller family run businesses such as ELR Homecare to thrive. That won’t deter ELR Homecare however, with exciting developments underway for the team. The company has recently moved into a 3000 ft² office, providing opportunities for its new training centre, meeting rooms, and even a function room to hold coffee mornings and small functions for service users and staff. Additionally, ELR Homecare plans to be branching further afield; while the company primarily caters to Dudley, Brierly Hill, and the Stourbridge area, it is exploring an expansion into Walsall and Birmingham postcodes – an expansion to take place within the next few years. But that’s not all; Jason has announced a more imminent initiative for ELR Homecare in celebration of its incredible journey. “The future here at ELR Homecare looks very bright,” he shared. “This year marks the ten year anniversary of ELR Homecare; therefore, we are holding a family funday and anniversary party for all our staff, their families, and our service users to attend. We want to give something back to everyone who has helped ELR Homecare become such a huge success.” Contact: Jason Maddocks Company: ELR Homecare LTD Web Address: www.elrhomecare.co.uk
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 8 Kembla has formed a solid reputation across the UK as a comprehensive solutions provider committed to enhancing energy efficiency for both domestic and commercial customers. In fact, it has seen an increased number of commercial sites interested in installing solar, which has been driven by financial returns with rising energy costs, ESG targets, and commitment to sustainability and reduced carbon footprint. To date, Kembla has installed 22,099 solar panels, generated 9 GWH of clean energy, saved 1,663 tonnes in carbon dioxide emissions, and planted the equivalent of 100,593 trees. Underscoring everything the company does is its core values, with them playing a very important part in every interaction of the team. With ‘Expertise’, the team are highly knowledgeable within their field and can therefore provide bespoke designs that meet each customer’s needs; with ‘Communication’, they are dedicated to keeping the customer updated on every stage of the process; with ‘Respect’, they treat everyone in the same way that they wish to be treated; with ‘Aftercare’, every customer becomes a customer for life; and with ‘Safety’, they are sure to mitigate risks through ongoing assessments and training. Kembla understands the unique energy needs of each home and commercial building; thus, its approach involves a thorough, noobligation consultation and site survey so its team can tailor the solution to the individual requirements. The team guide clients through a transparent and informative process, ensuring they have the opportunity to select the most suitable solution to their specific needs. Kembla has become renowned for delivering exceptional service, with its installations being quick and efficient while complying to the highest industry standards. With Kembla’s solutions comes a seamless, turnkey experience, from the initial consultation to the final switch-on. Its team manage everything from system design and proposal to installation, so its customers don’t have to worry about a thing. Furthermore, the business recognises the necessity of aftercare, providing a continuous monitoring of system performance. Its support team remain on-hand to assist, provide recommendations, and deliver prompt resolution for any issue that may arise post-installation. Thanks to its central location of the Midlands, Kembla is easily accessible to other businesses and its customers, being able to provide its services to many parts of the UK. Its customers benefit not only when it comes to the initial install but also in terms of aftercare, as the company’s lead times can be much shorter to competitors due to being in close proximity. The Kembla team are always looking to improve their knowledge of the industry and the products and services the business offers. They regularly take part in external and internal training to improve their knowledge and expertise. When it comes to employing new team members, the company looks for individuals who are passionate about the Kembla core values and those whom it is confident will provide the level of service to customers that its existing employees do. As the business continues to grow, it requires deep expertise in its people, while expecting to learn many lessons along the way. As every install is unique, it needs support from the different expertise within the team to get the job done to the highest standard. Among its completed commercial projects, Kembla has supplied and installed a 403kWp system for Madeley Academy; full SolarEdge systems across three units at Brucom Distribution Ltd, totalling 102kWp; full SolarEdge systems across two units at Thomas Telford UTC, totalling 318.86kWp; a 304.85kWp system and a SolarEdge modbus device at Sandwell Academy; and a 260.1kWp system at Walsall Academy. Established in 2020, Kembla Ltd is a familyowned business specialising in renewable energy solutions including solar panels and electrical vehicle charging. With office locations in Lichfield and Portsmouth, and a team of 14, the company is proud to provide a comprehensive solution that enhances energy efficiency for domestic, commercial, and social housing projects. Residential Solar Company of the Year 2025 - West Midlands cccc
Speaking about the completion of the solar system at Walsall Academy, Deputy Head, Jon Clarke said, “This whole process was driven not only by the financial management or the Academy but also by the student eco-club who have been working closely with the Academy’s management team to move the Academy towards net zero on its carbon emissions. The detailed proposal by Kembla supported the students in learning about the use of solar PV and the benefits it could bring. The installation process happened during a school holiday which caused no disruption to the normal school day. It has been an easy process to complete and is now showing its worth. Importantly the students of the Academy believe that they are making a positive leap forward in moving the Academy further towards net zero on carbon emissions.” Furthermore, within its local community, Kembla is highly devoted to taking part in projects that have a positive impact. It currently donates a meal to Lichfield foodbank for every solar panel sold from its Lichfield office. So far this year, it has donated 1,887 meals. Kembla are always looking for ways it can make a difference, with this also including its contributions toward the energy efficiency landscape and wellbeing of the planet. It collaborates with Make it Wild to compensate for the unavoidable carbon emission made as a business through tree planting. This year, it has offset 640 tonnes of carbon dioxide through this scheme. Looking towards the future of the business, there is a lot to come. Not only will it continue its dedicated social responsibility work, but it has numerous upcoming projects to be excited about. This includes several school commercial projects throughout the summer months. Additionally, it launched its maintenance package last year for residential installs, so it is continuing this work with its customers to help them maximise the benefits of their investment. Likewise, many of its commercial clients are opting into maintenance packages. Now we’ve got to know Kembla, we take a look at what some of their happy customers have to say. Robert C. shares, “A couple months ago we had Kembla install our solar system on our clubhouse. The process from start to finish was very professional and efficient. I would highly recommend Kembla to anyone looking into solar or renewables.” Angela D. states, “Amazing service received by Kembla. The installation of our four car charging points was seamless. I would highly recommend Declan and the team. They were great to work with and very professional.” Lynette G. comments, “Helpful, knowledgeable, and polite. The Kembla team went out of their way to help us and ensure that any queries were dealt with. We were very happy with their service and our Zappi charging point.” Daniel R. says, “Couldn’t have been more helpful. Installation was quick and tidy, and suggested a great solution for the location of my charge point. Would highly recommend Declan and the team.” Company name: Kembla Ltd Contact name: Declan Adams Website: www.kembla.co.uk
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 10 Best Industrial Lubricants & Metalworking Fluids Supplier 2025 Boasting more than a century of combined experience within the oil industry, Elite Oils Ltd is a distributor of tried and tested premium lubricant products for UK manufacturers in the fields of industrial, automotive, and agriculture, such as FUCHS UK. It also offers associated services such as coolant monitoring, condition monitoring, and waste oil removal. Join us as we learn more about the company from company Director, Rob Barnfield. Elite Oils Ltd is a fourth-generation family business, formerly named Reliance UK (Reliance). Upon joining the company three years ago, Rob Barnfield, former Industrial Distributor Manager – UK & Ireland for FUCHS UK, said, “A new and exciting chapter in my life has commenced whereby I am now the Director of Reliance UK. Reliance is a leading authorised distributor of engineering components to industry and agriculture. What’s more, reliance is a large distributor of FUCHS products. “I am really looking forward to continuing to promote and technically support the FUCHS brand, a brand I have so much respect for. In addition, Reliance is able to offer related support services to add further value to our customer partnerships.” After three years of exceptional growth, Elite Oils has recently settled into its second bigger unit in Bromsgrove, which it is now using as its headquarters. Upon launching the new depot at the beginning for 2025, Rob was looking forward to the challenge ahead and feeling ambitious and optimistic thanks to having “an experienced team, fantastic new starters lined up, and total support from our supply partners. Here’s to the next three years of growth”. And, six months into the year, Elite Oils is enjoying a fantastic year of success. Currently a small team of four that are very much like a family, Rob tells us that as the business continues to grow and thrive and employ more people, it will certainly retain that family ethos. Stemming from this close-knit relationship is a next-level dedication to customer service and the company’s success. Rob shares more on what he looks for in team members: “The qualities we look for are dependent on the role, but one thing that we need regardless of the role is a positive personality. We all go through difficult times, whether it be business or personally, and it’s the people with the strong, positive personalities that continue to move forward, despite the situation.” With vast experience in the lubricants market, the Elite Oils team use this technical knowledge to offer solutions that save customers money. These solutions are based on efficiency and overall cost savings, as opposed to its competitors, who just offer the same product at a lower cost. Rob explains, “While our competitors look to sell many brands and be somewhat of an oil supermarket, we focus our time working closely with our partners to ensure we’re up-todate with things like new product launches, changes in legislation, and any potential raw material issues.” He goes on to tell us how, in his opinion, the industry seems to have seen a downturn since Q2 2024, with this seeming to coincide with a change of government, and having left companies feeling weary in terms of what the future holds. However, he says, “12 months on, there does seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel, with customers that made tough decisions to make redundancies in 2024 now starting to rebuild by going back to the five-day week, et cetera.” “We are delighted to have been awarded a Midlands Enterprise Award for being the best in our field for industrial lubricants and metal working fluids! Despite the market being difficult and pressure on companies to reduce their consumable costs, we continue to promote the latest innovative products, saving customers money through performance and efficiency.” – Rob Barnfield Focusing more on the company’s central home region, Rob continues, “The Midlands is the lifeblood of the manufacturing industry in the UK. As long as we support British manufacturing, we will continue to see new opportunities popping up, offering employment and new opportunities to potential customers and suppliers.” Not only are its top-tier team and convenient location key towards its success, but also its strategic long-term supply partnership with businesses such as FUCHS UK, the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of lubricants. Regarding the partnership, Julian P., Industrial Distributor Manager – UK & Ireland at FUCHS UK, comments, “FUCHS UK are pleased to be supporting Rob Barnfield and the team – We look forward to working with you and your customers through the coming years and watching you make millions. Thanks for your business to date.” FUCHS UK products available via Elite Oils include FUCHS ECOCOOL, an innovative range of water-miscible fluids designed to provide incredible cutting performance and extended tool life. These lubricants reduce heat build-up during machining and come with a long service life, which means lower operational costs. Operatives can expect impressive results without any compromise on workplace safety and sustainability. Furthermore, by combining the brilliance of FUCHS ECOCOOL with the coolant monitoring services of Elite Oils, bacteria issues can be eliminated in coolant systems, as such improving working conditions for operatives and ensuring the equipment is HSE compliant. Recently, FUCHS’ ECOCOOL GLOBAL 1000 was officially approved by Lockheed Martin, one of the biggest names in aerospace, in addition to already being trusted by Airbus, Boeing, Safran, and Rolls-Royce. Another notable partnership that Elite Oils takes pride in is that with Aztec Oils Ltd, another leading specialist in high performance lubricant manufacture. Among Aztec Oils’ product range are its high-quality CoolSpec winter antifreeze and summer coolant solutions, which ensure reliable protection and durable corrosion prevention for all cooling systems. This is in addition to TOROTEC, AGRITEC, EMPROTEC, excellent products designed to meet the needs of every sector, including automotive, agricultural, and commercial.
In terms of what’s next for Elite Oils, Rob anticipates the market to be static until the end of the year and early 2026. He hopes that by the end of Q1 2026, companies will start to invest, as he expects there to be increased opportunity in a buoyant market. Specifically in terms of Elite Oils, the plan is to grow business turnover in a profitable way. Within this, Rob would like to add a new person to the team, and if he feels they are the right fit, this will contribute to speeding up the business’ growth plan. To end our conversation with Rob, he says, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the staff at FUCHS UK for being by our side since this venture began in 2022. They are an outstanding company and a lot of the guys there I class as friends. I couldn't have done this without their support.” Ultimately, the only way is up for this brilliant firm. We at SME News are pleased to see Elite Oils succeeding, and with such great business partnerships and committed team behind it, we have no doubt that it will continue doing just that. Company name: Elite Oils Ltd Contact name: Rob Barnfield Website: www.eliteoils.co.uk
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 12 Based in Northamptonshire, Colour Match is family-run business providing specialist colour matched paint locally, across the UK, and beyond. It has been an industry leader for more than 30 years, specialising in anodised colours, complex powder coat colours, textured shades, cladding colours, standard colours, and more. Colour Match is recognised by some of the world’s biggest brands, such as Dulux and Pantone®, for its next-level colour matching skills. Join us as we learn more about the company’s outstanding offering. Colour Match has seen rapid growth since its establishment – and for good reason. It supplies accurately colour-matched paints not only to local residents but also small businesses and large corporations around the world. As a key player within the industry, its commitment to excellence is second to none, being the go-to provider of specialist colours for professionals such as panel applicators and spray painters. Its efficient distribution system allows the supplying of thousands of colours each week, so clients know they can rely on it for access to a wide range of options that meet their specific needs. To date, Colour Match has not come across any other company that comes close to providing the level of colour matching accuracy that it does within its own services. Its team have a meticulous eye for detail that is truly unmatched, and it is this that draws customers in from all over the world to seek its spectacular colour matching services. These services are designed to meet the requirements of any scenario, and its team aren’t phased should the original colour reference be lost, a unique colour be needed or the code be unrecognisable, or should a colour have faded over time and need to be matched to the changed shade. As a family-run business, Colour Match has become renowned for its exceptional customer service delivery, which incorporates a personal approach and going above and beyond to ensure that each order is fulfilled to the highest standard. Customers benefit from comprehensive complimentary technical assistance, which gives them peace of mind when it comes to choosing the best product for their project. Enhancing the company’s service delivery further is its central location in the Midlands. Situated between Birmingham, London, and Manchester, customers who travel have convenient access to its base of Moulton Park Industrial Estate in Northampton. This isn’t all, for the company also offers next day delivery on all UK orders. “What distinguishes us from our competitors is our unparalleled expertise in colour matching. While others may rely on spectrometers and other devices to assess colour, we depend solely on the precision of our trained eyes. This unique approach has enabled us to successfully match some of the most challenging colours and finishes globally.” Colour Match’s product range includes 1K paint in acrylic, polysynthetic, cellulose, and enamel, which comes with various finishes including matt, satin, semi-gloss, and full gloss, giving customers the means to create the perfect look for their project. Its range includes RAL Colour, Pantone, Farrow & Ball, and Dulux, all as part of a wide choice of shades, whether the client is looking to give their living room a spruce up or to brighten an office space. It also offers paint in the form 60ml touch-up pots and 20ml touch-up pens for those who don’t need large amounts of paint. Additionally, Colour Match stocks a variety of aerosol paints and commercial spray paints to match the existing colour, and they are suitable for a multitude of different materials, including wood, plastic, fabric, and metal, to result in a professional finish every time. Spray painting provides a quick and easy solution for small DIY and industrial scale projects, as well as to repair parts such as vinyl upholstery, curtain walling, and cladding. Furthermore, the team’s incredible skillset allows them to tackle the most challenging powder coat finishes and seamlessly duplicate them in a liquid paint form. No matter the difficulty of the powder coat finish, they will identify an identical liquid paint match. This comes alongside confirming colour matches for anodised finishes; whether bronze, gold, or natural silver required, the team’s expertise allows them to match any shade for a product that is quick drying and anti-fade. The team go further to provide precise brick, mortar, and porous stone matching, even replicating the original texture. “We take pride in providing quality service and expert advice, helping customers make the right choice the first time, every time. Benefit from complimentary technical assistance for complete confidence in selecting the ideal product for your project.” Best Colour Matching Specialists 2025
For individuals and businesses who are interested in Colour Match’s services, they can visit the company website to explore its product range or reach out via email to receive a complete list of services and prices. It can complete its colour matches using physical samples sent by the client, free of charge, or by receiving RAL/NCS/BS, Pantone, Dulux, and Farrow & Ball codes. Ultimately, not only does Colour Match provide a vast range of paint options to make any surface like new, but they are also highperforming and durable. Overall, it is easy to see how this company has come to be named Best Colour Matching Specialists 2025 within the Midlands Enterprise Awards, because its team are in their own league when it comes to their ability and offering. And the company’s customers agree, with it boasting a glowing five-star rating on Google. We take a look at some of these reviews below. Charlie at ACT Construction says, “Many thanks to the team at Colour Match. These guys are the best in the business. Always on hand with helpful advice and a quick turnaround on samples. It’s the only place I go to, so much so I think Harry Potter must match most of the samples I see. Keep up the good work.” Chris G. comments, “Colour Match provides a very good and competitive service. I highly recommend this business. I have known Phil, the owner, for 30+ years and to have a colour sample matched there you guarantee it’s going to be 100%, which is what we all want. Ryan is very good at his colour matching too. The prices are reasonable and often hard to beat.” Accident Repair shares, “We have been using Phil and the team for years and they are the best in the business. Nobody else even comes close to them with their knowledge of paints and their colour matching service.” Derrick R. adds, “Great company with an unbelievable level of commitment and passion to provide such quality products as the Mipa paint range, with service being some of the best I’ve seen in the industry in many years.” Company name: Colour Match Contact name: Drew Mozolewski Website: colourmatch.uk
SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025/ 14 Best Garden Building Supplier 2025 – West Midlands As the weather gets warmer, most of the population hurry to their gardens, wanting to soak up the sun while they can. Whilst outside, we often find ourselves compiling mental to-do lists of garden refurbishments and enhancements that we always mean to start, but never really finish. Shed City is a leading company in supplying a range of gorgeous garden buildings designed to elevate your outdoor space in no time. As Shed City receives another prestigious award, for the second consecutive year, we catch up with Dean Mann, Sales Director of the company. Established in 1996, Shed City has spent over two decades building a reputation for being a trusted local brand for its community. Known for delivering the personal-style service that customers expect from a local company, Shed City goes one step further by offering a product range and professional service one would expect from a larger, national company. The company offers its clients a vast range of garden buildings and associated products, with both ‘supply only’ or ‘supply and build’ options available. Shed City have been producing and supplying clients with high quality garden buildings for just under 30 years, and displays its range of sheds, summerhouses, garden rooms, workshops, and garden stores at its show site, one of the biggest sites in the country. With a growing demand for functional spaces within the garden for hobbies and interests, Shed City are proud to offer the Elite Garden Rooms range. Fully insulated and complete with double glazing, these buildings come in an array of designs and styles that perfectly suit garden offices, studios, salons, bars, gyms, and many more recreational activities. Anticipating the needs of its customer is a skill Shed City has honed over the years, in complete alignment with its client-centric approach to business. Customer service lies at the heart of everything the company does, with its reputation and rate of ‘word of mouth’ referrals attesting to its success. “We believe that customer experience is key to our success and have always strived to offer our customers a unique experience when visiting our show site,” says Dean. “We have a varied array of buildings on show and have always taken pride in the appearance of our show models and surrounding environment.” Offering a vast show site is a unique offering that sets Shed City far beyond the scope of its competitors. In the age of the internet, many shed retailers provide brilliant imagery of garden sheds and outdoor buildings for online viewing. However, Dean tells us that for many customers, the need to see the real product in person is still of huge importance to the sales experience. By maintaining an impressive online presence in addition to the show site, Shed City offers its customers the best of both worlds. Shed City’s successful business model is made possible by the team working hard to supply the highest quality of garden buildings to its customers. Described as a ‘small team with a big heart’ by Dean, Shed City promotes the inclusion of its staff in all aspects of its business. Being so hands on in Shed City’s operations means that management have opportunity to spend time with both team members and customers at every point. This allows Dean and his team to stay on the pulse of day to day operations, enabling them to adapt and react in an effective and positive way to any challenges that may arise. With a client-centric approach and a commitment to quality, it is no wonder that Shed City has solidified a reputation for achieving excellent results that put the customer first. It was for this very reason that SME News recognised Shed City as the Best Garden Building Specialist 2024 – Shropshire in last year’s Midlands Enterprise Awards. As we recently awarded Shed City in our Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025, we’re looking forward to seeing what comes next for its dedicated team and many customers. Company: Shed City Web Address: https://www.shedcity.co.uk/ Show Site: Whitchurch Road, Wellington, Telford, Shropshire TF1 3AG
For many, creativity has evolved to stand as more than a simple pastime – but as a lifeline. Whether writing, performing, painting, or creating, it is a way of processing complex emotions and finding comfort, clarity, and a sense of control when the rest of the world feels overwhelming. RYTC Creatives CIC champions this philosophy, blending creative learning with therapeutic insights to make artistic experiences accessible to all. We took a closer look at its exceptional endeavours below, as its partnership with Education Selection Box is named in the Midlands Enterprise Awards 2025. Best Inclusive Creative Learning Partnership 2025 – Warwickshire Home to inspirational, award-winning performing arts and creative drama therapy The RYTC and Education Selection Box (ESB) are community-interest companies catering to children and adults in Warwickshire, the West Midlands, and globally via its online platform. With each day of operations, the partnership aspires to change lives creatively through inclusive and innovative acting workshops, drama clubs, theatre training, and team-building initiatives, working with a range of partners to help deliver an expansive programme of creativity for everyone involved. The RYTC is led by Founder and Artistic Director Helen Kenworthy, who started her career in the work family of celebrated commercial theatre and entertainment producer Bill Kenwright – an industry icon best known for his long-running West End hits Blood Brothers and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. Whilst working in the West End and the nationally recognised Salamander Theatre, Helen was personally encouraged by the late producer to go on and open her own youth theatre because, in his words, “Being creative is so important for our kids!” Bill operated with the mantra, “Go and do it! And if ‘it’ is right, then you can’t fail.” Inspired by this ethos, Helen established The RYTC in 1994 with the mission of putting young people and new talent front and centre stage. Along the way, Helen’s journey led her into alternative provision – a development that quickly blossomed into advantageous educational partnerships aiming to make learning fun and accessible, encourage ambitious futures, and create professional opportunities across the creative arts. A significant moment in The RYTC’s journey has been its partnership with Education Selection Box, ESB, a teaching service specialising in providing child-centred and SEN learning programmes for all ages. Rooted in shared values, this partnership focuses on empowering young people through creativity, blending storytelling, writing, and performance to help students build confidence and find their voice. Working in close collaboration, The RYTC and ESB have been able to open more doors for young creators, especially to those who might not have otherwise accessed the arts. This partnership naturally blends performance and writing for students, providing them with the full creative experience. Through ESB, students learn to build stories from scratch, then bring them to life with The RYTC through acting, movement, and film. Since the inception of this partnership, the companies have seen once-shy students now leading group scenes, delivering powerful monologues, and becoming confident storytellers on stage. This transformation is precisely what this collaboration is all about: equipping young people with the tools to shine in their own unique way. Together, The RYTC and ESB offer a range of creative services, including creative writing courses that help children produce their own original, published books; therapeutic creative arts through activities designed to support positive mental health and emotional growth; bespoke learning programmes expertly tailored to meet both individual and group needs; and creative methodologies, with fun, accessible steps that make learning enjoyable and impactful. Through these specialist services, the partnership ensures that creativity and education remain inclusive, engaging, and truly child centred. The RYTC stands as a rare organisation, one that combines the creative arts with a supportive team of mentors who prepare and guide participants in life, further education, and work. At its core, the partnership strives to help each individual it serves grow their confidence and happiness, through activities that not only meet their specific needs but build emotional resilience and practical life skills. Changing lives creatively is the heart of The RYTC’s mission, and this is a mission that it lives out daily. Whether on stage or behind the scenes, The RYTC proves to young people that creativity is not just an outlet; it is a pathway to empowerment. Contact: Helen Kenworthy Company: RYTC Creatives CIC (The RYTC & Education Selection Box Partnership) Web Address: www.rytc.co.uk
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