It is inspirational and exciting to support local firms
THE North East Cheshire Business Awards celebrate the best in business across Macclesfield and East Cheshire, and take place for the sixth time in November.
This year there are 11 categories open to the region’s businesses, with entries welcome from all businesses regardless of size – you just have to get your nominations in before the deadline of September 30.
As part of our coverage of the area’s biggest celebration of local enterprise, the Express is talking to the category sponsors each week to see why they are supporting the event.
This week we talk to Alison Smart from RA Smart silk manufacturers in Bollington and has been with the company for 11 years.
RA Smart, run by Ron Smart and his family who live in Macclesfield, has produced fabric for decades, opening in 1972 to make screens for screen printing, before starting to print silk for fashion in the 1980s and later for men’s ties.
It operates one of the country’s largest digital print facilities with the capability to print on cotton, wool, silk and polyester
Much of the work can be seen on catwalks around the world and found in leading stores, working for some of the biggest names in fashion and soft furnishing design.
It works with design colleges to encourage the next generation of designers.
The company recently took on sewers to produce household textiles such as tea towels and aprons and then opened a sewing room to increase production.
Prior to joining the family business, Alison worked in recruitment for about five years before accepting a job with Oracle – a global IT company based in Reading – placing high-level consultants globally. Her job moved from this to fabrics and design.
Which award are you sponsoring? Innovation.
Why have you got involved with the business awards? It is something we have supported from the start – it is exciting and inspirational to learn about and support local companies.
Why did you choose to sponsor that particular award? I think the innovation award is very apt for our business which is focused on innovation within the textile industry, in particular the digital print process which is fast moving and challenging.
We are constantly upgrading our print machines and processes in order so that we can offer the highest level of service and quality.
Why is East Cheshire such a great place to do business? I have lived in East Cheshire for many years. There is a sense of community, with a large number of very successful businesses, both existing and start-up companies.
The latest addition to our business has been developing an on-site sewing facility and recruiting a number of local people, including offering the apprentice scheme, and our mission statement is to bring back manufacturing to the UK. Now that is innovation, don’t you think?
The location is great for the business traveller as it offers efficient links to train Macclesfield train station and Manchester Airport.
What is your best piece of business advice? Look after your customers and nurture your new ones.