FROM SMALL ACORNS, OAK TREES GROW!

In 1860, William Bentley took over the business of a local brushmaker. Fast forward almost 160 years and here we are, a 6th generation, family run, global manufacturing business.

Over the years, the business has evolved through hard work, creativity, insight and drive of our incredibly talented people.

Historically, we haven’t always shouted about who we are and the fine work we do. We are in fact one of the nation’s best kept secrets, quietly residing in millions of homes the length and breadth of the UK.

We thought long and hard about entering this year’s Family Business Awards, but when we sat down to review the last few years, we realised just how much we’ve accomplished, how much we’ve grown and the positive difference we continue to make to the local area and British manufacturing.

Without wishing to blow our own trumpet, we’ve launched an improved internal system in record time, brought a new range of products to market and delivered new growth services to our customers, including Dropship and Charles Bentley Express.

Perhaps it’s our humility or maybe it has something to do with the reserved nature of the great British people, but yesterday culminated with us attending the Family Business Award ceremony with many talented and incredibly successful family businesses.

With such an esteemed group of businesses we weren’t sure how we would fair, but I’m humbled that we won the Manufacturing Excellence category & Highly Commended in the Family Business of the Year category. I’m rarely lost for words, but yesterday was truly overwhelming. Like many of the finalists, we don’t seek external recognition to validate our work and special culture. However, it’s heart-warming to be recognised by our peers and a privilege to be a winner at this year’s Family Business of the Year awards.

I like to think William Bentley would be proud of how the business has evolved over the last 159 years and that we’ll be here in another 100+ years, helping families across the world enjoy their homes.

It’s fair to say that none of this would be possible without our talented people, some of who have been with us for decades.

A huge thank you and congratulations to everyone directly and indirectly involved in our latest win and the continued success of the Charles Bentley business.

Charles