A. E. BECKETT & Sons, who own and run the family farm shop and restaurant site Becketts Farm, in Wythall, have been named Best Family Business of the Year in the Midlands Family Business Awards.

The company, currently run by third generation family member, Simon Beckett, was also highly commended in the Business Innovation category, being recognised for the wide range of diversification it has invested in, as well as still managing 1,000 acres of local farmland.

The Beckett family, which is this year celebrating 75 years of farming in Wythall, runs a farm shop dedicated to supporting local producers, a family friendly restaurant, conference facilities and a cookery school at their Wythall site. 

All winners in The Midlands Family Business Awards, now in their third year, were announced at a prestigious dinner and  ceremony at Leicester’s Curve on November 8.

The awards are underwritten by third generation family business, The Wilson Organisation, and are a charitable initiative, with all proceeds this year being donated to The Prince’s Trust.

Annabel Prow, The Wilson Organisation chief executive, said: “This award showcases the region's best run family businesses and recognises the achievements of their leaders.

“Becketts Farm impressed the panel of independent judges, led by Mark Samworth of family business Samworth Brothers, with evidence of its sound financial measures and good governance, service excellence, innovative processes and commitment to its community, along with exemplary family values and a clear vision for the future.”

Simon Beckett, managing director, who attended the awards with a number of his team, said: “We are extremely proud and honoured to win this award not just as a family but as a company that has a great team of employees on board and who have all contributed to this achievement.  We also thank all our customers who continue to support us and who allow us to be able to support the community in return.”

For more details about the awards, see familybusinessawards.co.uk and for details about Becketts Farm, see beckettsfarm.co.uk.