PRESS RELEASE: COPE SEEDS TAKES GOLD AT FAMILY BUSINESS AWARDS

SLEAFORD-based agricultural seed merchant Cope Seeds Ltd has triumphed in the Midlands Family Business Awards.

The family-owned business, run by father and daughter and joint directors Trevor Cope and Gemma Clarke, took the Commitment to the Community award at a glittering ceremony in Birmingham.

The 2013 awards were organised by Nottinghamshire based family business The Wilson Organisation – and celebrated the best of family-run firms across the region. Cope Seeds was a joint winner of the community award, along with building firm Robert Woodhead.

Gemma said: “We were delighted to win the award. Cope Seeds is committed to improving life in the local Sleaford community and support people living locally.

“We donate money to several groups including sports organisations and charities. It is something that is vitally important to us.”

Cope Seeds is one of the UK’s biggest suppliers of conventional and organic seed. As an agricultural seed merchant, Cope Seed’s customers are arable farmers growing cereals and pulses. It operates within local, regional, national and international markets

Cope Seeds is also growing its export arm and has recently joined forces with UK Trade and Investment to build relationships with overseas suppliers and customers through trade delegations.

Chris Taylor, partner at business advisory services at Smith Cooper, which was the awards headline sponsor, said: “Each year we meet some truly incredible businesses and this year was no exception.

“Choosing a winner was a really difficult decision for all of the judges because we saw so many passionate and ambitious businesses.”