National Joint Winners Environmental Efficiency Award

Kent manufacturer scoops a national business award

A Sittingbourne-based company – Wire Belt Company – has been named a British manufacturing champion after scooping a prestigious national business award. The firm, which employs over 80 people and manufactures metal conveyor belts, saw its success recognised by judges at the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards held in London last week.

The company took gold in the Environmental Efficiency Award, sponsored by CMR Consultants and energyTEAM. The award goes to the manufacturer that has done the most to improve its environmental performance.

Judges were impressed by its decision to integrate environmental considerations into its mission statement and by the depth, breadth and clarity of the environmental strategy it was pursuing. Judges said that it was clear that this had resulted in a strong, collaborative team approach towards meeting ambitious targets – the company aims to become energy neutral this year.

Wire Belt Company was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against tough competition from a range of dynamic businesses, small and large, from across the UK.

Gary Allen, Commercial Director at Wire Belt Company, says: “We’re delighted to have won this award. We take our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously and have worked hard to build this into our thought-process, strategy and operations.  

“We are committed to managing and limiting the environmental impact of all aspects of our company – our next big achievement will be to become energy neutral this year. It’s important to continue to innovate and push ahead with new ideas, so to win this award and to have our success recognised is a great accomplishment and compliment to our team.

“We are passionate about all aspects of our business and today this dedication and focus has paid off. We hope our success will inspire other manufacturers and encourage them to share their environmental achievements too.”

Liam McDonagh, Director of CMR Consultants, says: “Businesses have a responsibility towards the environment and should always be looking at ways to improve efficiency and limit their impact. It’s clear that Wire Belt Company is committed to doing this and has ensured that protecting the environment is a key part of its overall business strategy. This is to be applauded – this company deserves this recognition and every success in the future.”

For more information about the awards visit: www.eef.org.uk/awards/.