Family flue firm gets ‘highly commended’

A1 Flue Systems, based on the Boughton Industrial Estate, was highly commended in the business innovation and family business categories of the Midlands Family Business Awards 2013.

Of the 50 companies that were shortlisted across the ten categories at the event, held in the University of Birmingham, A1 was one of just two companies that picked up more than one award.

TJ Moir, one of the directors of the family-run company, dedicated the awards to her father Colin, who set up the company, and their 130-strong workforce.

She said: ““A1 Flue Systems has been our family business for more than 40 years and to receive recognition, not just for being a family firm but also for our achievements in terms of our level of innovation, is hugely satisfying.”

Ms Moir and fellow director John Hamnett were quizzed by a judging panel that included TV presented Alex Polizzi, best known for the Channel 5 show the Hotel Inspector.

She said: ““I have been very impressed with the quality of the finalists in the Family Business of the Year Award. We should all be supportive of family businesses wherever we can and it is nice to have the opportunity to sing their successes.”

The company’s success at the Midlands Family Business Awards follows hot on the heels of its recent construction industry award, when it was named Contractor of the Year at the HVR Awards.

The company is currently working with UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) to organise a schedule of appointments in the United Arab Emirates as part of a plan to supply products made at its Nottinghamshire base for some of the most prestigious construction projects in the world.

It has appointed a new international sales manager and is working with the British Embassies in Dubai and Abu Dhabi to meet a delegation of leading figures from the construction industry in the UAE.