Stockport manufacturer honoured for digital transformation during 60th anniversary year

A Stockport manufacturer celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2024 has won the Digital Transformation Award in the North West Family Business Awards.

Marple-based Arden Dies was founded by brothers Frank and Philip Poynter in 1964, and has since grown into a group of companies including  a die-making, engraving and software arm that employs around 300 people worldwide.

Martin Poynter, Managing Director of the Arden Group, said:

“Ever since the early days of Arden, we’ve always strived to be at the forefront of technological innovation, committed to embracing new technology to better serve our customers and drive growth.

“Our founder, my father Frank Poynter, was a trailblazer in the die-making industry and the first to adopt new laser technology in the 1970s. His vision for technology and innovation is an ethos we still hold today and this recognition reinforces our position as a leader in the sector and motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

“The Arden Group is proud to be a family business, built on strong family values, so it’s a real honour to be recognised in the North West Family Business Awards, during what is a very special anniversary year. This award is testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team, as well as a celebration of our family’s legacy of innovation spanning over six decades.”

The Family Business Awards’ judges were impressed with Arden’s forward-thinking culture and participation in the Made Smarter programme, which is a Government-backed initiative to support manufacturers to adopt cutting-edge technologies and digital skills to help boost productivity, drive growth and create new jobs.

Since its involvement with the Made Smarter programme, Arden has incorporated 3D printing into its manufacturing processes and is currently developing a cloud-based ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system to streamline and automate its business operations.

Organised by The Family Business Community, the North West Family Business Awards were held at Bolton Football Stadium on May 10. They were presented by food writer, broadcaster and proud northerner Nigel Barden along with co-founders of the Family Business Community, Dave Clarkson and Sue Howorth, who said:

“The turnout of family businesses and those who support the sector was incredible. We’re so grateful for everyone who came out to support the awards and recognise the hard work and dedication of our North West family businesses.”

Pictured: Arden Group MD Martin Poynter, centre, with the Arden Team, from left Julian Homer, Christine Poynter, Sarah Poynter, Josh Wheeler and Joanna Burke-Landy.
Photo credit: Victoria Sedgwick and Martene Rourke.