'It’s incredibly special to see our hard work, passion and values recognised in this way,' wheelbarrow company boss says as firm wins family business award
Walsall Wheelbarrow Company has been named Family Business of the Year at West Midlands Business Awards 2026.
The awards celebrate companies that excel in innovation, leadership and customer service and the win, which acknowledges Walsall Wheelbarrow Company’s blend of family values, commercial success and dedication to delivering top products, has left the third generation family owned business over the moon.
Simon Thacker, sales director of the Walsall Wheelbarrow Company, said: “This award means the world to us.
“Being a family business spanning three generations, it’s incredibly special to see our hard work, passion and values recognised in this way.
“Every wheelbarrow we make carries a little piece of our family’s story and we’re proud to share that with our customers across the UK.”
With more than 80 years of experience in the wheelbarrow industry, the company based in Phoenix Road, Willenhall, is trusted by tradespeople, landscapers and gardeners nationwide for its quality products.
Operations director Jonathan Thacker said: “My dad Les started this business with a single vision - to create wheelbarrows that could stand the test of time.
“He believed in putting people first, and those principles remain at the heart of everything we do today. We’re proud to carry his legacy forward, every day.”
Simon White, partner at PwC UK - which awarded the Family Business Award, described the Walsall Wheelbarrow Company as a "very worthy winner" and he said: “Family businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, thriving in the Midlands, and central to the growth of our region. Family businesses are strong due to their agility, purpose and centralised leadership, these factors play a significant role in ensuring businesses can drive forward, continually grow and adapt at pace.”
“Walsall Wheelbarrow company stood out in the awards category and are a fantastic winner not just for their successful business, but also for the warmth, care, and commitment they bring to everything they do. I look forward to seeing the business grow and develop.”
