Caerphilly-based JR Gilbert (www.gilbertengineering.co.uk) has seen its turnover increase threefold in the last three years — and this was recognised at the recent Caerphilly Business Forum Awards, where the engineering firm, founded in 1983, won the Small Business of the Year Award against stiff opposition.

Director Nick Robbins said: “We have made excellent progress since the management buy-in five years ago, and our investment in the business is now paying dividends.” An important factor in winning the award was the expansion of the workforce to 33 (from 19 three years ago), along with the firm’s apprenticeship scheme.

JR Gilbert has invested £300,000 in four new CNC machines, turnover has risen from £500,000 to £1.5 million in the last three years, and the company now has ambitious plans for further growth.

Mr Robbins added: “Tata Steel subsidiary UK Steel Enterprise supported the company during the 2012 buy-in. They have been great and given us a lot of help along the way.”