Government contracts deliver success
Stephen Clegg
A specialist courier company tripled its turnover, and created 60 new jobs, after winning a government contract.
Bosses at Topspeed Couriers say similar sized firms can grow their businesses by bidding for government work through the Crown Commercial Service.
Topspeed specialises in the safe transportation of goods requiring special handling across the UK.
In 2013, after winning a place on a CCS framework, Knutsford-based Topspeed was appointed by the Food Standards Agency to handle the transport of its biological samples.
CEO of Topspeed Couriers, Stephen Clegg, said: “Since becoming a CCS framework supplier our turnover jumped from £1.5 million to £4.5 million in just four years. At least 50% of this growth has come from contracts we have won through our place on the CCS frameworks.
“We’ve created 60 new jobs and invested in new processes enabling us to win similar public sector contracts. It’s raised our profile and reputation and we are approached by commercial clients who consider us because we’re on the CCS frameworks.”
Gemma Forrest, of the Food Standards Agency, said: “We’ve worked together with Topspeed to find the most efficient, cost effective way of delivering the services required, letting FSA staff focus on other areas of their work rather than dealing with courier service issues.”
Wilmslow welcomes Poole Alcock
One of Cheshire’s leading law firms is opening a new office in Wilmslow as part of its latest move in an expansion plan which aims to position the practice as a leading provider of legal services across the North West.
Poole Alcock has taken over Poplar House on Manchester Road, occupying all three floors of the 2,050 sq. ft accommodation.
Established for more than 120 years, Poole Alcock is a full-service law firm.
Wilmslow brings the firm’s Cheshire network to eight offices, adding to legal services already provided in Alsager, Congleton, Crewe, Nantwich and Sandbach.
Managing partner, David Gaut, said: ‘We have literally doubled our turnover in the last four years and are looking to grow further.”
Heading up the new office are Jane Jacques, partner and family lawyer, Sarah-Jane Dunhill, partner and head of litigation and Victoria Moetamedi, conveyancing specialist.
New head chef on the menu at Crewe Hall
An award-winning chef has been appointed at the four-star Crewe Hall hotel in Cheshire.
Dion Jones (31) from Stretton, is returning to the luxury spa hotel, having previously held the position of head chef at the Brasserie restaurant between 2013 and 2015.
Dion has cooked for The Royal Family and the National Assembly for Wales, and boasts more than a decade of industry experience, including postings with The Lion and Pheasant in Shrewsbury and Chester’s Carden Park Hotel and Grosvenor Pulford Hotel and Spa.
His career began with a role in his mother’s café at the age of 15 and he went on to become the first British chef to win the International Escoffier challenge in France and reached a semi-finalist of National Chef of the Year in 2014.
He said: “I have very fond memories of my time at Crewe Hall and I’m excited to be delving straight back in over the festive season.” www.rbhmanagement.com
McGarrie Vahey & Partners celebrates 40 years
In these rapidly changing times, it is a notable achievement for any business to celebrate serving its local community for 40 years, particularly in an industry as fast changing as financial services.
Simon Carling
Founded in 1978, Wilmslow-based McGarrie Vahey & Partners has reached this milestone and is now newly installed in modern premises in Wilmslow House.
This marks the roll-out of its its low-cost telephone-based advice service, which supplements its existing offering.
The business provides independent financial advice on pension and investments and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Managing director, Simon Carling, said: “Although we do business nationally, we are proud to have been part of the local business community for the last 40 years.”