Gainsborough: Smiffys are named as Family Business of the Year at awards

Smiffys is the leading fancy dress, Halloween and carnival costume manufacturing company in the UK and distributes more than 5,000 products to 5,000 stockists around the world.

They were presented the award at a black tie ceremony held at Nottingham Trent University.

Now in their fifth year, this year the awards raised funds for The Outward Bound Trust, the educational charity for young people.

Since the awards launched they have raised in the region of £20,000 for charities supporting young people and enterprise.

Chris Taylor, Partner in the Nottingham office of Midlands’ accountant and business adviser Smith Cooper, the headline sponsor of the awards, said: “Yet again we have seen a fantastic calibre of family businesses enter the awards this year.”

“These businesses really represent the best of family enterprise and every one of these companies, no matter which sector, has shown their drive to grow and innovate.”

The awards recognise family businesses, their innovation, operations, growth and performance in 10 categories.

The firm’s Jackie Hendley, partner in its Birmingham office, said: “Smiffys really impressed us this year for three main reasons, their incredible ambition to grow which really shone through during the presentation on the judging day, their high level of commitment to their people, and their openness to seek advice.”

“As we have seen, previous winners of these awards often go on to achieve great things.”

“I wish Smiffys the best of luck and look forward to watching the development of all of this year’s shortlisted businesses.”

Annabel Prow, CEO of The Wilson Organisation, said: “As a family business in their 120th year, Smiffys is a shining example of a family business with drive, ambition, creativity, and inspiration.”

“It has delivered sustainable growth through continuous innovation, clear family values and a tangible feeling of fun.”