WINNER of the New Small Business of the Year award went to Russell's Industries Ltd, a Bolton-based company formed in November 1996 with an initial starting capital of £30,000 and five committed employees. The company deals in garden seeds and bulbs which are then packaged by sub-contractors, both in the UK and Holland, in attractive packets and containers before being sold onto retailers.

All the packages are designed and printed by the company and it is proud of its ability to differentiate itself from competition with a quality and innovative product.

Since its formation, Russell's Industries Ltd has introduced a number of new lines during its first year including window boxes and hanging basket propagator kits, multi-variety seed packs, patio containers with bulbs and herbs and cactus seeds.

Next year they are planning to introduce a range of "perennial" seeds, a first time in the UK.

Second shareholder, Steve Moss, said: "We are all extremely happy and, over the next 12 months, we will double our sales.

"We will put our winnings into further investment. This award is really all due to Russell's enthusiasm and dedication."

The company are now looking at their expansion plan and have already made some progress in establishing a foothold in new channels such as grocery and DIY multiples. Managing director, Russell Julian Reihl says he is also very keen to get a foothold in mail order channels.

Russell's Industries Ltd, which is situated on Wellington Road, Turton, has adopted the red squirrel as its trademark and, according to Russell Reihl, the logo has been very well received.

The company say they are very committed to employee development and he likes to involve his staff in every aspect of business development.

Approaches have been made to Business Link Bolton & Bury and staff are already participating in a number of training programmes.

The company has already identified opportunities for export and negotiated a £65,000 trial order for "4-Pack Seed Propagation kits" with a Canadian company for a test market in Boston, USA.

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