Elliotts is best family business 2015

Independent Hampshire-based builders merchants Elliotts has won the top accolade at a business awards ceremony

Last week saw the merchant, which has been in existence for 173 years – crowned Property and Construction Family Business of the Year at the Family Business United awards in London.

Elliotts, headquartered in Southampton, was founded in 1842 by Thomas Elliott who saw the opportunities for building driven by the development of the city’s port facilities. The business has grown dramatically over the years and now has 13 branches and over 280 staff. It is run by Tom Elliott, the sixth generation of Elliotts to take the helm of the business. His father, Stuart Mason Elliott, remains active in the company as chairman.

Tom Elliott said: “Being a family business is a big part of our identity and we’re delighted to have won this award. Our customers tell us the fact we’re a family business is a real strength because it means we can react with much greater speed and agility than our competitors.”

Paul Andrews, founder of Family Business United and organiser of the awards, visited Elliotts to see operations in action at its builder’s merchant branch in Southampton. He said: “Family businesses make a huge contribution to the UK economy, both in terms of the revenue they generate and the people they employ. These awards are all about celebrating the UK’s family businesses, of which Elliotts is a shining example.”