We’re delighted to bring you news that we’ve been announced amongst the north west regional finalists of this year’s NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Awards.
The awards acknowledge the hard work and inspiring stories of entrepreneurs and businesses from across the United Kingdom and we’re thrilled to be counted amongst them.
We’ve been shortlisted in the Family Business Entrepreneur of the Year category alongside seven other finalists from the north west including Sheffield-based Lyon & Lyon, Manchester bar supplies company, 247 Enterprises and JCS Fish of Grimsby.
Over 30 years on from setting up the business my father, Richard Sexton, still hand trims 200 British sheepskins a week and now, with my return from London 6 years ago to bring my marketing skills into the business, we’re making great strides in building a business which is fit for the future.
My focus over the next few years will be to build a strong brand based on solid family values and to date, we’ve expanded into online retail without compromising our essential wholesale trade business, and into new international markets including Japan and the US – a strategy which helped us to deliver 14% profit in 2018 with hopes to continue this growth over the next few years.
Needless to say, we’re absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way. Glencroft is much more than just a woolly jumper – we’re not about fast fashion, we’re a brand with products you can trust just as much as the one your granny knitted for you.
Our customers are at the heart of all that we do, and this is reflected in the personal service we provide and the customer loyalty we retain – some even come back 20 years after they first purchased their flat cap – not because theirs has worn out, just because they want a different colour!
Being shortlisted for the family business award recognises the hard work my parents have invested in the business over the last 30 years. It also allows us to benefit from the eco-system of business support that these prestigious awards provide and we’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to connect with the other businesses shortlisted – past and present.
The judging panel includes Holly Tucker MBE, founder of notonthehighstreet.com and Holly & Co, as well as Cath Kidston MBE of renowned brand Cath Kidston Ltd.
Announcement of the regional north west winners will take place on 15 October at an informal ‘beers and street food’ event in Manchester. A more formal black-tie ceremony for the national final will take place in London on 21 November.
Keep those fingers crossed for us!
– Edward
