Hardy Signs shine bright with double awards win at Burton Celebratory Lunch

Hardy Signs lit up the room at yesterday’s Burton Celebratory Lunch, securing a double victory that underscored its continued success and impact.

The signage manufacturer took home the Burton & District Business of the Year award, sponsored by Else Solicitors, and Blu Hardy, the firm’s marketing manager, was crowned Burton & District’s Future Face, sponsored by BCRS Business Loans.

Mark Lambert Consulting won the Burton & District’s Startup Business of the Year award, sponsored by Rob Page Wealth Management.

The event’s headline sponsors were Select Car Leasing East Midlands and Pattrn Data. It was hosted by Richard Brooks, head of Burton and Cannock Chambers of Commerce. Drinks at the event were sponsored by Sefton & Associates.

Established in 1993, Hardy Signs has enjoyed unprecedented success over the past 12 months by pushing the boundaries of innovation, customer service, and community engagement while empowering local partnerships.

A key development has been the investment in state-of-the-art lasers, revolutionising the production process. This technology has significantly reduced manual labour, enabling the team to focus on higher-value tasks.

Hardy Signs has also introduced quarterly performance bonuses and increased team-building activities, creating a supportive and collaborative workplace and improving staff retention.

Their commitment to customer service is evident from over 85 five-star Google reviews.

The company’s focus on community engagement remains at its core, with Hardy Signs actively supporting local educational programs through work experience opportunities for students.

Judges were also impressed by Blu Hardy’s leadership as marketing manager.

Under her guidance, the firm has expanded its digital presence through social media and website development.

Blu is also deeply involved in volunteering and fundraising, supporting YMCA Burton, SARAC (Sexual Abuse Rape Advice Centre), and The Young Shall Grow initiative in Ghana, where Burton volunteers regularly travel to help at an orphanage and local school.

At the start of this year, Blu joined the Business Connect group at Burton and South Derbyshire College to offer input into curriculum planning.

Speaking about Blu’s achievements, the judging panel said: “Blu has shown great leadership in overcoming challenges with new staff and expanding into new markets. This is a remarkable story where a young person is wise and mature beyond her years; the world needs more of these types of people.”

Meanwhile, Richard Wileman presented the Burton Chamber of Commerce President’s Award to Shaun Gray, past president of the Chamber.

Sponsored by Astle Paterson Solicitors, the award recognised Shaun’s significant contribution to growing the region’s economy.

Richard Wileman said: “Shaun is the Past President and served for three years to give both his time and guidance throughout his tenure.

“Having been the European managing director of Ginho Europe Precision Manufacturing, he somehow found time to complete the task as President combining this with worldwide travel and being a Global Patron for Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce.

“He is also one of life’s great hosts and as such many of us have benefitted from trips away and events that would not normally have been available.

“The world needs people with the type of passion that Shaun brings.”

The lunch also featured entertainment by musician Oz McGowan and raised funds for the Chamber’s chosen charity YMCA Burton upon Trent.

Pictured from left to right: Blu and Nik Hardy, Richard Wileman, Shaun Gray and Mark Lambert