Northamptonshire Business Leader to Take Centre Stage at National Awards

A leading Northamptonshire businessman will take centre stage at national awards that will take place at Wembley stadium.

Gary Pettit, the managing director of PBC Business Recovery has been selected as a judge for the SME National Business Awards 2017 which were launched in July 2017 as a result of the continued success of the SME Business Awards around the UK.

The awards are directed at SMEs which at 98% of all businesses are the main engine of the UK economy.

“I am delighted both personally and for PBC Business Recovery that we have been asked to undertake such an important role in this influential and prestigious Awards.” said Gary.

PBC Business Recovery and Insolvency is a specialist business rescue and insolvency practice that provides practical, helpful advice and solutions to a variety of businesses and individuals with financial problems.

“Entering awards are a fantastic way to grow any business.” Gary continued. “An SME only needs to reach the finals of the awards to experience their profile and their promotional opportunities.”

“This is a great opportunity for SMEs from across Northamptonshire to get to Wembley later this year and be part of an amazing evening that will see the cream of UK business crowned.”

Businesses can enter up to 3 categories. There will be a selection of highly experienced and respected judges and each entry is judged by up to 4 of our panel.

Finalists will be chosen following the preliminary judging and they will be announced online on 4th October 2017.

The awards will culminate in a glitzy black-tie final at the iconic Wembley stadium on 1st December 2017.

The evening of celebration will recognise all the finalists and allow every business that reaches the final the opportunity to promote their incredible achievement.

Further information on the awards can be found at www.smenationals.co.uk

You can watch a video promoting the Awards at https://youtu.be/SdKLYldl9WQ

PBC continue to support business

What is your most valuable business asset? I hope most readers will respond along the lines of,

“Our employees, of course.”

Last year the directors of PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency were delighted to support the Northamptonshire SME Business Awards. In fact, we were so pleased with it that we agreed to support the awards for 2017.  So, what does that have to do with the opening question?  Well, if you acknowledge your staff are your most valuable asset what are you doing to enhance the skill and efficiency of that asset?

The training and development of your staff can be one of the most astute investments a business can make. The more they learn, the more efficient they become and the more efficient they become the more competitive you will be in your field of trade.  Certainly, that has been our experience at PBC where I am not shy in claiming we have a team that is envied by our competition.  Meeting their training needs has brought success and, in turn, the staff have developed into a team that means they support one another in the challenges faced, with the result being PBC meet the expectations of advisors who refer clients to them.

So, why not demonstrate to the business world of Northamptonshire that you also push the training and development of your team.  Enter the 2017 awards and get the promotion you deserve.  You can read about the awards and obtain your application on http://www.northamptonshireawards.co.uk/.

Local Entrepreneur Wins Young Business Person Award

SME Northants Business Award_Gold Sponsor_2016

Fae Perkins, owner of Northamptonshire hair extensions business, Bond Hair, was crowned ‘Young Business Person of the Year’ at this year’s SME Northamptonshire Awards.

Fae, aged 29, set up her business specialising in professional hair extensions over 8 years ago and was also shortlisted in the Business Innovation and Entrepreneur of the Year categories at the awards ceremony which took place last Thursday evening.

The judges commented “Fae seems to have limitless energy linked to an impressive personal drive.”

Fae runs what she classes a ‘lifestyle business’ on top of holding down a full time position as Marketing Manager for prestigious self-build company, Potton. Fae has maintained and grown her loyal client base regardless of also being dedicated to her full time day job.

The Young Business Person award recognised business talent for those under 30 years of age and was sponsored by Northampton-based firm, PBC.

“I’m really happy that my hard work is recognised, I’m fortunate enough to love both my jobs so it isn’t a chore to work hard” continued Fae. “I never think 17 hour days are anything special, until someone points out that’s 2 days’ work for most people!”

The Young Business Person award was presented by Gary Pettit, Managing Director of Northampton-based business PBC, who said “PBC feel it is important to be part of the business community and were pleased to support this award. The economy needs young people in business and Fae is an excellent example”.

For further information on Bond Hair™ visit http://www.bondhair.com

That was the year that was

PBC Business Recovery & Insolvency proudly sponsor the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2016

How many of you can associate with the question, ”Where did [the month] go?” In fact, it does not seem that long ago since I was looking back at 2015 to see what PBC had achieved, yet here I am doing it all over again!

Obviously 2016 will be remembered for the (Brexit) vote on 23 June 2016. It is clear we have a period of uncertainty ahead of us and there have even been claims insolvency practitioners will be extremely busy as a result.  However, at PBC we believe the economy is generally robust and while there will always be losers, there will also be plenty of winners so no need to panic or allow the media to talk us into a recession.

Despite what the pundits say, insolvency numbers have fell year-on-year for the past three years and insolvency practitioners are all bemoaning the general lack of new instructions. To be fair, PBC have experienced a similar trend, although the amount of professional advisors who recommend our services has continued to expand resulting in another year of growth.

I suppose two key events in 2016 were the launch of the PBC mediation service, which has attracted significant interest from solicitors and barristers alike. So far, the service has a 100% success record in settling disputes including a £1 million negligence claim against another insolvency practitioner!  The other point of note was the acquisition of another insolvency practice, Bottomley & Co who were based in Rugby.  As part of that acquisition the re-branded PBC Bottomley & Co moved its operations to Coventry, which provides further potential for work in a wider geographical area.

How many readers have experienced those moments when you wonder why you are working all the hours available and for seemingly little reward?  I am no different.  However, earlier this year an extract of an independent industry report was sent to us that concluded PBC was the 25th fastest growing insolvency practice in the UK and were one of only 62 practices regarded as strong in the industry.  I have to confess a slight puffing out of the chest with pride.  That preceded thanking the PBC team because it is their terrific team spirit and desire to ensure tasks are undertaken in a timely and professional manner that contributed to this independent conclusion.

Outside of our day job PBC have focussed on two specific areas.  The first is to be sponsors of the Northamptonshire SME Awards.  We are so proud to have been involved and it has to be acknowledged the entries received were indicative of how vibrant business is throughout the county.  Secondly and for very personal reasons for Kym Carvell, PBC have chosen the Ronald McDonald House charity as our charity to support for the remainder of 2016 and for next year.  Oh, before you ask, no it has nothing to do with burgers and a big clown!  Check them out in this article where you can find out more.  Alternatively, speak to Kym at our Northampton office.

Gary Pettit