Southampton: Elliotts named top family business of the year

It’s been handed down from generation to generation for 173 years and now Elliotts has been named the best family business in the UK’s property and construction industry.

The south's leading independent supplier of building products for the trade and public claimed the title of Property and Construction Family Business of the Year at the Family Business United awards held in London in June.

Headquartered in Southampton, Elliotts 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, recently 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.” 

Founded in 1842, Elliotts is one of the oldest family businesses in the south. It has 13 branches stocking a wide range of materials to help the trade and public build. It has four kitchen and bathroom showrooms, two specialist tool centres open to the trade and public in Portsmouth and Winchester and its own roofing and renewables companies.