SME OF THE YEAR
Sponsored by Punch Robson
WINNER :
ABACUSBEAN
Having picked up the Best New Business gong at the 2019 Tees Businesswomen Awards , Bev Goodall , managing director of Stockton-based accountancy practice AbacusBean , hadn ’ t expected her company to triumph again .
“ When you ’ re waiting to see whose name is called , you tell yourself you haven ’ t won ,” said Bev . “ I thought the award would go to a bigger and more established firm , so I was gobsmacked when our name was called .”
In the two years since its inception , AbacusBean has grown to a team of eight , with plans for expansion ongoing . Turnover has increased by 114 per cent , profit has more than tripled and the company has 300 clients and a growing international client base .
The company ’ s ethos is also admirable . AbacusBean donate to many local charities and the team volunteer at the local food bank .
In addition , Bev mentors new business start-ups at Teesside University and the company has proved invaluable to many firms by offering peppercorn fees to enable them to stay afloat during the pandemic .
“ I feel so lucky and proud of the team to win this award ,” said Bev . “ It shows we are doing something right . It ’ s an acknowledgement that we are a valid business and it will keep us firmly on the radar .”
Bev Goodall , MD of SME winner AbacusBean , watched by Elaine McLaine-Wood of Punch Robson Solicitors .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Durham Lifting
Middlesbrough-based Durham Lifting manufactures lifting equipment and overhead crane systems , with its MULTISEC range of spreader beams selling worldwide .
The company is headed by managing director Amanda Gardiner , who has brought core values , focus , development , quality and safe systems to the business . Amanda ’ s knowledge spans 35 years and she has inspired her peers to follow her and achieve their own success .
With 36 people now employed by the company , the 2020-21 projected growth turnover is around £ 3.5m with a net return of 12 per cent . The promotion of services overseas is providing vital works and the plan is to grow and develop these markets , while building the portfolio within the UK .
Intasite
Stockton-based Intasite was established in 2015 to streamline and speed up the induction process on secure sites . Working with local , national and international clients , the Intasite team has inducted more than 100,000 visitors safely .
With a significant increase in turnover last year , the business underwent a management buyout in order to provide a clear direction and focused strategy for growth . Led by company director Danielle Croce , the buyout will see Intasite excel in its current form , roll out further software features for the platform and put the company on the path for exponential growth .
Intasite is recruiting interns from Teesside University who will join the team to expand on their service and development plans for the future .
SPONSOR ’ S MESSAGE
Elaine McLaine-Wood , managing partner of Punch Robson Solicitors , said : “ This is the third year that Punch Robson has supported the Tees Businesswomen Awards .
“ This year has been particularly challenging for each and every one of us , both professionally and personally , so looking at the different sectors , the shortlists and the three finalists , they all deserve a huge pat on the back .
“ SMEs make up 95 per cent of the trading business in the UK so it ’ s important to applaud that and it was a hard-fought category . AbacusBean ’ s triumph was based on merit . We looked at the trading history , the achievement , the innovation , the consistency of the business , the increase of employees in the last year and the turnover , to champion a company that truly deserves this award .”