Ely-based global manufacturing business Thorlabs Ltd throwback to last year when they scooped multiple prizes at the Ely Business Awards held at the cathedral.
In 2017, the judges said: “Thorlabs is a truly impressive, global manufacturing business. It has already achieved phenomenal growth and success, but clearly does not rest on its laurels, as it is constantly evolving further in all areas of the business.
“This is a textbook example of how focusing ambitious management, with a culture for continuous improvement, can truly result in business success.”
One award that stood out for the company was the Business of the Year, an award that is not directly enterable leaving a winner to be decided by the judges.
Thorlabs won the Business of the Year, Medium Business of the Year and the Employer of the Year Award in 2017, they’ve even sponsored an award at this year’s ceremony.
This year, sponsors for the Business of the Year Award are Whiting and Partners, a financial company with offices based in Ely, March, Wisbech and more across the region.
Ian Piper, from Whiting’s Ely office, said: “We’re delighted to be sponsoring the overall winner of the Ely Business Awards for the sixth year running.
“Ely has some truly fantastic businesses, particularly within its numerous business parks.
“The Business Awards recognise success, under various criteria, and give those involved a rare and well-deserved opportunity to reflect and feel proud of their achievements”.
On winning the award last year, a spokesman for Thorlabs said: “Winning the award was encouraging and a reinforcing validation for our business.
“Being shortlisted and having the opportunity to network with inspiring companies at an enjoyable awards ceremony was in itself a great reward.
“Participation in the business awards raises your profile in the local community, which opens the door for greater involvement in the community and strengthens your recruitment strategies.”
Speaking after winning the award, the spokesman added: “It has been as fast paced as usual but it was nice to take some time out as a company to celebrate our success.
“There is a shared sense of pride among our staff, especially as every team can see how they contributed to our win.
“Our business continued to develop and grow during 2017. Turnover increased by 14 per cent and we successfully added over 30 people to the business.
Operating profit increased as a result of continued manufacturing process improvements and aggressive investments in heavy manufacturing capabilities.
“As an engineering, design, and manufacturing operation, we feel proud to have been able to maintain our usual double digit growth.”
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