Bed manufacturer Kelcol has won two business awards, one recognising the business’s sustainability initiatives and the other celebrating the leadership skills of its md.
The company entered the sustainability category of the UK Business Awards having strengthened its initiatives in this area after joining the NBF a year ago. Kelcol has implemented a number of measures including installing LED lighting across the factory and introducing an energy-efficient heating system as well as reducing waste as much as possible by using recycling programmes and sustainable packaging solutions.
Amy Wheeler, Kelcol md who joined the company as a sales administrator when she was 19, was also chosen from 20 finalists as the winner of the Young Businesswoman of the Year award. The judges were impressed that the manufacturing business had a predominantly female-led management team and by its focus on fostering relationships with staff as well as its customers.
‘We were really pleased to have been shortlisted in two categories of these prestigious UK-wide business awards, so to be named as overall winners is an amazing achievement,’ says Wheeler. ‘Since my family acquired the business three years ago, we’ve embarked on a comprehensive programme to drive the company forward and our awards entries focused on the changes we’ve made and the new innovative products we’ve introduced as well as our initiatives to attract and retain young talent.
‘We are very proud of the progress we have made and would like thank our team for their hard work and loyalty which has made this success possible.’
The judges praised the company, which manufactures more than 11,000 beds and sprung mattresses a year under the Kelcol Bed Company and Sleepwell brands,: ‘As Kelcol embarks on this exciting new chapter, one thing remains certain: the spirit of artisanry, family values and female leadership will continue to define the essence of Kelcol Bed Company for generations to come.’
