Gift firm strikes gold

WIDDOP Bingham, a major importer of giftware, won the gold award for best service to the independent retailer at the Gift Retailer Awards in London.

The company, based in Broadway Business Park, Chadderton, is one of the country’s premier suppliers to the gift trade.

It won the award ahead of a nominated list of more than 100 other competitors.

Managing director Stuart Illingworth, from Diggle — and his brothers Andrew, the sales director, from Uppermill, and finance director Chris, from Lydgate — are the fourth generation of the family to own the business, which began trading 125 years ago as a watch and clock maker in Brighouse.

Stuart said: “Providing a first-class service to all our customers is at the very heart of what we do.

“We are continually looking at how we can improve our service to our customers.

“Winning the gold award for the first time has been a huge team effort throughout the business. Without the commitment from all our staff to providing a first-class customer service, this award would have been impossible.”

Earlier this year, Widdop Bingham was featured on BBC’s “6 o’clock News” as part of an item on the UK economy.

“The firm supported the line that business in the UK is not all doom and gloom, adding that focusing on new and innovative products enables a company to flourish and grow.

“Widdop Bingham is launching many new items at the summer and autumn trade shows, and thank all their customers for their long and loyal support,” added Stuart.