Midlands companies shortlisted for Private Business Awards 2012

• Instarmac shortlisted as Employer of the Year
• JCB shortlisted as Private Business of the Year
• Logson shortlisted in the Rising Star category

Three companies in the Midlands have been shortlisted in the second annual Private Business Awards, sponsored by PwC, in association with HSBC Private Bank and in support of the charity LEAP.

Tamworth-based Instarmac, which manufactures construction and repair materials, has been shortlisted in the Employer of the Year category. Staffordshire-based JCB has been shortlisted in recognition of its commitment to engineering excellence for the Private Business of the Year award and The Logson Group has been shortlisted in the Rising Star category.

More than 600 private companies entered this year’s awards, which celebrate the best in the private sector and underline its importance to the UK economy.

Instarmac was accredited as Large Employer of Choice in 2009 and Highly Commended in 2010 by Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce. They are a specialist in the manufacture and distribution of cement and bitumen based products to the world market for over 30 years.

JCB has been manufacturing construction equipment for 67 years and is one of the world’s leading manufacturers. JCB has won more than 50 major awards for engineering excellence, exports, design, marketing, management and for its care for the environment. Among them are 27 Queen’s Awards for Technology and Export Achievement.

Leicestershire-based Logson Group is the largest independent corrugated packaging group in the UK. Formed in 2004 by Ian Loggie and Mike Stephenson, the duo used their extensive experience in the paper and packing sector to identify targets to acquire and build an independent group.  As the parent brand, the Logson Group employs over 800 staff, has an annual turnover of £180m and operates from bases all over the UK.

In 2011, the Logson Group was awarded UK Packaging Company of the Year for its strong leadership combined with autonomous business units, quality products and services and strong customer relationships.

The Logson Group has managed to develop four independently-successful brands - Board24, Cases24, Boxes and Packaging and inspirepac - and tie them together with the Logson Group branding to offer a full range of corrugated packaging services.

Chris Romans, partner and private business expert at PwC in the Midlands, commented:

“Much has been said about the importance of private businesses to the recovery of the UK economy and these awards celebrate those that have been leading the way in a difficult economic environment. In a year when the focus of the world is on the UK, these businesses really do represent the ‘Best of British’ and to be short-listed from over 600 applicants is to be congratulated.

“It is great to see three Midlands-based companies shortlisted for these national awards. Each are making an important contribution to the local economy and creating sustainable jobs for local people.”

Charlie Hoffman, Managing Director, HSBC Private Bank (UK) Ltd added:

“Private businesses are an integral part of both the UK’s economy and HSBC Private Bank’s strategy.  The Private Business Awards offers a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the sector’s companies and individuals and showcase the outstanding talent within the private sector in the UK.”

The winners of the Private Business Awards will be announced at a dinner to be held at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London on Thursday 6 September 2012.