Wicksteed wins major National Business Award

Wicksteed wins major National Business Award - One of the UK's most well-known play equipment designers and manufacturers has just won the 'Best Large-Sized Business' category in the National Best Business Awards. Wicksteed Playscapes fought off stiff competition against 17 other UK companies to win this coveted award.

Wicksteed's engineering and manufacturing history dates back to 1918 when its Victorian founder, Charles Wicksteed, began making and supplying park seats and playground equipment to public parks across the UK.

The offices of Wicksteed Playscapes are still situated in the original factory site in Kettering and the company is now the largest play and sports equipment designer and manufacturer in the UK, supplying all over the world.

Commenting on the award, Andrew Areoff, Chairman of the Judges, said: "Dating back almost 100 years, managers at Wicksteed Playscapes have taken the company firmly into the second decade of the 21st century with a complete rebranding operation that has transformed the company's image.  With a range of exciting new  products for outdoor play areas and a new focus on customer service and resonding to customer feedback, the company has seen a big increase in turnover despite the difficult economic climate.  Well done to Wicksteed Playscapes ~ a worthy winner!"

Wicksteed's Managing Director, Phil Holden, commented on the win: "This award is such a great accolade and a real morale booster for the company at this uncertain financial time.  Our support, design and production teams work so hard to bring new ideas for play into our communities and this recognition of our business practices shows that we have got it right."

The company has always been mindful of its impact on the environment and sourcing its materials sustainably.  Having recently been awarded the Environmental Management Standard ISO 14001:2004, Wicksteed continues to endeavour to provide sustainable design concepts and construction techniques that respect the local character and environment.  This is achieved through sustainable practice in the selection and supply of material and installation techniques, including the flexibility for re-use and recycling as well as sustainable practice in energy efficiency and use of resources.