New company that saved Architectural Ceramics Skills scoops Business Award

Architectural terracotta and faience specialist, Darwen Terracotta has triumphed at the Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards, winning the Newcomer Award. Finalists were joined by dignitaries, sponsors, judges and supporters at an exclusive black-tie event held at Blackburn Cathedral where the winners were announced and celebrated on stage.

Steve Allan, operations director at Darwen Terracotta, said, “This win is for the whole team and everyone who helped set up the business. It is a massive thank you to all 25 of our staff and their hard work over the last six months so we are really proud.”

Judges said, “High level skills have been preserved for this business which has risen from the ashes thanks to the dedication of its managers and employees. It has a global reach with high-profile clients, a family business culture and a dedication to the future through it apprenticeships and succession programmes. It is a great story for the construction industry.”

Khalid Saifullah, a director of Star Tissue and chairman of the Hive Network, which hosted the awards, said, “The Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards are hotly contested, so Darwen Terracotta should be very proud that they have seen off all the competition to be winners on the night.”

As award winners, Darwen Terracotta collected a trophy crafted by local firm Parkinson Signs. ITV weather presenter Emma Jesson hosted the evening, with entertainment from local acts including the Paul Rigby Quartet and Hannah Spurgeon. Headline sponsors for the event were Blackburn College, Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council and Capita.

A full review and picture gallery can be viewed online at www.hivebusinessawards.co.uk.