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YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON: Vision and outlook impresses judges
CHRIS Hopkins took a traditional family building firm and transformed it into a modern-day business.
The 37-year-old took on full responsibility of father-and-son business Ploughcroft Building Services Ltd when his father Bill retired three years ago.
Chris had a vision of upgrading standards in the building and roofing industry and, focusing on his own team's development first. He ploughed company profits into the development of a unique NVQ-accredited training centre for construction related subjects and customer service.
There was no other training centre like it.
As a result of its success Ploughcroft Training and Development became a division on its own within Ploughcroft Building Services Ltd.
And within two years there was already a massive increase in turnover.
The judges were not only impressed by Chris's innovative approach and vision but also by his willingness to grab other opportunities too.
As solar energy became more popular he spotted a gap in the market and introduced a solar roofing course which proved a hit within the industry.
Ploughcroft has now trained more than 200 companies and 600 individuals across the country.
Contracts have been secured with solar panel installer Vaillant Group Plc and NPower.
Chris's positive outlook and determination have also won him a series of awards.
Also short-listed were Paul Howcroft, of Vanguard, and Claire O'Connor who heads babyballet.
Paul bucked the trend of the declining UK automotive industry and transformed his traditional company into a modern-day manufacturer.
And Claire's entrepreneurial drive has seen her franchise out her brand to a long chain of dance instructors across the country.
The Elsie Whiteley Innovation Centre sponsored the award.
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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