Norbar Goes One Better

Norbar employs 200 people in Banbury, with a further 90 staff within its sales companies in North America, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and China. The company’s philosophy is about providing customers with high quality value for money products and services whilst being committed to the principals of environmental sustainability. Roger Pedder, former Chairman, C&J Clark Limited (Clarks Shoes) and Chairman of the evaluation committee commented:

“As a successful third generation family business, the things that impressed the evaluation committee about Norbar Torque Tools Limited included; o the establishment of a leadership position in the torque world in the space of just three generations; o the focus on quality and being a respected, profitable and great place to work; o the separation of family and business meetings through the use of a family forum; o the importance placed on getting external experience and qualifications before joining the family business; o the consensual management style, division of family responsibilities and creation of an employees council; o the employee profit sharing scheme; and o the emphasis on corporate responsibility and philanthropy from starting a carbon offsetting program to sponsoring a village in Peru to supporting over 160 local community initiatives including the Cancer Resource Centre.”

Mark Evans, Head of Family Business, Coutts & Co, commented: “In today’s tough times, it is more important than ever to leverage the competitive advantage of being a family business. Becoming a Coutts Prize for Family Business National Winner is a unique differentiator that can be used in cementing relationships with customers, suppliers, and employees.” Accepting the award Craig Brodey, Chairman of Norbar Torque Tools, said “This is an unbelievably proud moment in the 67 year history of Norbar. Looking at the outstanding calibre of the other short listed organisations for the Coutts Family Business Award 2009, this makes our success even more special.”