After their momentous ‘Retailer of the Year’ Awards Win in 2020 at the North West Family Business Awards 2020, Sale based Bluebell Fitted Furniture are back in 2022 and their husband-and-wife directors, Alison and Mike Reuben have joined the prestigious judging panel for this year’s awards. The North West Family Business Awards are organised and run by The Family Business Network, and provide a fantastic opportunity to celebrate with family businesses from across the North West. The awards in 2022 will be held on Friday 13th May at the Rum Warehouse, Titanic Hotel, Liverpool.

Alison and Mike have over 30 year’s experience running their family business, Bluebell Fitted Furniture. Recognised as one of the most successful independent businesses in their industry, they bring a wealth of expertise, knowledge and experience to the table, on what it takes to run a successful family business in the manufacturing and retail industry.

Alison and Mike employ over 25 people at their Sale showroom and Altrincham factory. Some of their employees have been with them since they started in 1992 and they also have a number of apprentices they have taken under their wing.

They feel passionately about supporting their local community and Alison is also a Goldman Sachs 100 Small Businesses alumni and provides mentoring to other local businesses.

Commenting on the Awards, Bluebell Founder and Director, Alison Reuben said:

“Winning Retailer of the year in 2020 was a real highlight for us as a family business so to be asked to join this year’s judging panel is a huge honour.”

We will be judging Emerging Family Business, Retailer of the Year and Manufacturer of the Year and feel that our own personal experience will help find a thoroughly deserving winner in each category.

We’ll be looking for businesses who have a great product, processes, ethos and team culture. Communication is key when you’re running a business so we can’t wait to find out more about each entrant, to find out how their vision and mission statements translate to the realities of running a successful business.”

Co-Director of The Family Business Network, Sue Howorth said: “We are delighted to have Alison and Mike on the judging panel. Their experience in retail and manufacturing and both being part of family enterprises makes them the perfect judges for the North West Family Business Awards.”