Gordon Banham last night toasted a fantastic year of success at Hargreaves Services Plc by being named the North-East Business Executive of the Year.
He was 2006's victor in the region's most prestigious business title for individuals.
At a celebratory dinner at the Newcastle Marriott Hotel, Gosforth Park, the North-East group's chief executive was the judges' top choice from nine finalists picked from more than 50 top executives.
He told guests: "It's an absolute privilege to be here and win this award. The thing about being a successful business executive is picking the right team and I am just realising the wealth of talent there is in the North-East.
We have 1,400 staff and hope to be close to 2,000 next year.
We are like a football team - we argue from time to time but when we get on the pitch we kick in the same direction and put a lot of goals in."
He has already led a management buyout, floated the County Durham plc to the tune of £21.5m on the Alternative Investment Market and, with a run of shrewd acquisitions this year, guided it towards a £200m turnover.
It is now one of the UK's biggest bulk haulage businesses and the largest independent importer of domestic and industrial coal.
The judges, chaired by Sir Ian Wrigglesworth, said: "Hargreaves have been immensely successful under Gordon's leadership. He has taken it to the stock market is expanding it at a phenomenal rate and is a worthy entrant in to the Hall of Fame."
Banham, 42, took on the family coal business, aged 19, when his father died. Bob Young, honorary president of Newcastle United, later brought him in to run long-established Hargreaves, which he then owned. When opportunity arose five years ago for an MBO there, Banham was the choice to lead it, with finance director Peter Dillon.
Its maiden results on the AIM showed sales 104% up and operating profit 121% higher. Latest interims report 104% sales growth at £70.8m, profits up to £3m (£1.25m).
Banham, also named Durham and Wearside Business Executive of the Year last night, has played a crucial role in building the Esh Winning business.
Enquiries
Hargreaves Services plc
Gordon Banham, 0191 373 4485
Peter Dillon 0191 373 4485
Buchanan Communications
Diane Stewart/Amy Rajendran 020 7466 5000
