FIS Member EE Smith scooped the prize for Finishing and Fit Out Specialist of the Year at yesterday’s CN Specialists Awards.  The judging panel were impressed with the companies growth, focus on core products and investment in its workers.

The company, whose specialities include joinery, grew its revenue by 44 per cent, reaching £47.5m in its last financial year. This was up from around £20m four years ago at the time of a management buyout. Directors are aiming for more growth in future. The last financial year also saw it increase its workforce by 36 per cent, creating 119 new jobs across offices, factories and sites.

Some 70 per cent of its employees trained in-house as apprentices, and the firm aims to continue this practice as it grows further. The company’s mentoring lead has established links with colleges in London and Leicester to ensure the best talent is available and trained well, and the people-centric firm prides itself on every member of staff having a person to turn to for work or personal queries.

The firm started in 1897 and management try to maintain the family ethos which has helped deliver its growth since then.

www.eesmith.co.uk