Meriden-based recruitment group Pertemps has been named as the best family business in the UK, scooping the national Coutts Prize for Family Business in the 50m turnover category. The prestigious award was presented in the recognition of the companyís commitment to a family-focused approach to running its business.
Pertemps was established in 1961 by Connie Watts, the mother of current chairman, Tim Watts. Over the last 35 years it has grown into a group of five independent companies employing around 1,500 people in over 200 branches and offices UK-wide. Pertempsí strong heritage and family culture is inherent in its business practices and reflected in its behaviour towards staff, clients, candidates and local communities.
The Coutts Prize recognises firms in three categories (1m-5m, 5m-50m, and 50m turnover) that demonstrate a combination of best practice in family and corporate governance, business succession, business strategy, innovation and charitable giving. Judges looked for examples of best practice in areas such as the successful integration of non-family executives, good practice in educating family members entering the business, examples of challenges that businesses have faced and overcome, and an understanding of the businessís approach to strategic giving.
The independent panel of judges was impressed with Pertempsí Share Incentive Plan, introduced in 2004, which gifted 90 per cent of employees shares in the company. Tim Wattsí target is for a 49 per cent stake in the company to be owned by employees by 2008. Its community and charity activity was also highly commended both in direct charitable giving, including Midlands Regeneration and the Birmingham Foundation, and its pledge to match any fundraising activities undertaken by employees up to the value of 500.
Roger Pedder, until recently chairman of C&J Clark (Clarks Shoes) Ltd, is chairman of the awardsí independent evaluation committee. He comments: ìPertempsí evolution to an employee share ownership model, combined with a strong performance culture and its use of external ëgurusí in strategic planning, have proven a winning combination. Its financial support of the Spinal Injuries Association and payroll giving with matched funding for employees are also excellent examples of its dedication to community involvement.î
Tim Watts believes that being a family-owned business continues to be integral to Pertemps success. He comments: ìBeing a family business means we are passionate about the direction and culture of the business. Our people are key and by including them as an extension of our family through opportunities, support, rewards and responsibility we have developed a committed team that can drive the business forward.
ìWeíre thrilled that this ethos has been recognised with such a prestigious prize. This could not have been achieved without the hard work and dedication of every member of the Pertemps family and the award is a personal accolade to each and every one of them.î
Mark Evans, head of family business at Coutts & Co, explains more about the awards: The Coutts Prize is different to other awards in that it aims to recognise the overall best performing family businesses at the same time as raising awareness of the economic and social benefits that small, medium as well as large family businesses bring us both regionally and nationally.
Pertemps has now won the opportunity to have the story of its family business written by Matthew Boyden, author of the Rough Guide to Opera and seven other books including biographies of Richard Strauss and Arnold Schoenberg. Mark Evans added: ìFamily businesses, particularly those which have continued for many generations, have fascinating histories and stories to tell, which they want to pass down to future generations. We wanted to award the winners with something unique to them that will be treasured forever.î
Pertemps named as Best Family Business in the UK
The prestigious award was presented in the recognition of the companyís commitment to a family-focused approach to running its business
