MAKING major strides with its global export of commercial thermometer equipment has seen ETI claim an accolade at the Adur and Worthing Business Awards.
But far from resting on its laurels, the Worthing-based firm is engaging with this year’s event as one of its sponsors, in the innovation category.
Managing director Peter Webb believed being proactive is vitally important in order to maintain a strong relationship within the area’s business community.
With a total of 18 honours up for grabs, the 2012 Adur and Worthing Business Awards will see a range of enterprises and individuals being celebrated for the black-tie ceremony in November at Worthing’s Pavilion theatre.
Mr Webb, who was delighted at the news the firm would be presented with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise this week, said: “We’ve been doing well with gaining an award in Worthing, being nominated for a Southern Business Award and are also nominated for a national plastics industry award.
“So having gained an accolade for innovation with the Herald awards, we felt that it was right we should be a sponsor this year and give something back.”
Having started nearly 30 years ago, Electronic Temperature Instruments has grown into a sizeable enterprise employing a total of 134 people and with its world-wide interests, has an impressive turnover of £8 million.
Its founder has seen the firm steadily expand over the past three decades, taking an active interest in all aspects of the business. He has adopted a commendable approach of never asking anyone to take on anything he wouldn’t do himself.
The company’s operations span everything from digital thermometers for commercial restaurants, hotels and the wider food industry, through to overseas work with major construction companies creating business temperature testing kit for major public works.
“It’s been nearly 30 years since I started out now. I had originally worked for another company but decided that I just wanted to set up on my own, just starting out of my garden shed and it was hard work for the first three or four years but we’ve got there in the end. It’s been a long road,” added Peter of the company, which he feels is run very much on independent family lines.
He felt that one of the keys to its success has been supporting local recruitment, with a large percentage of its workforce hailing from the immediate area.
“I grew up in the area, going to St Andrew’s School and my family have grown up around the business. My son works here, so, hopefully, there will be some continuity.
“I also owe a lot to Dave Parsons, who joined me around 25 years ago and has done a lot of design, research and development work for us. But I’ve wanted everyone to feel a part of the business and I’ve wanted to treat everyone the same.”
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