South Coast: Three companies vie for BDO Company of the Year

Portsmouth Aviation, R & M Electrical and Dyer & Butler have been selected from over 40 companies as the finalists for the BDO Central South Mid-Market Company of the Year award. The winner will be announced later this month. The award is based on international activity and profit growth, but account is also taken of talent nurturing, strength of management and the approach to new markets.

Portsmouth Aviation is a family-owned, specialist precision engineering company, with over 85 years’ experience. It has made significant investment over the past four years in its buildings, plant and training, and has acquired a successful packaging facility. Simon Escott, managing director, said: “I am pleased that having a structured development strategy to expand our global network of customers, and the introduction of new products and technology, have significantly contributed to this success.

R & M Electrical, formed in 1987, is one of the largest independent electrical distributors in the UK. William Crook, group managing director, said: “Being based in Southampton, we have the busiest cruise terminal in the UK and the second largest container port. The region continues to grow and R&M plans to remain part of its success.”

Dyer & Butler, formed in 1979, undertakes a variety of civil engineering and building works in both the public and private sector ranging from large contracts to smaller, more flexible projects.  Neil Edwards, managing director, said: “We understand our clients’ needs and use this knowledge to build upon our existing relationships to provide an increased offering.”

BDO is committed to championing the mid-market. Malcolm Thixton, lead partner at BDO Southampton, said: “The mid-market employs nearly a quarter of the region’s workforce and has a combined turnover of over £13.5 billion. It’s a pleasure to recognise three such successful businesses in very different sectors.”