Graeme Rawlings, operations director of Clever IT, explains why Ben Griffiths should win the Leader of the Year category of the Guardian Small Business Showcase competition:
I am nominating Ben Griffiths for this fantastic award because I rarely see leaders of his calibre. First and foremost, he is a fantastic family man with a wonderful dedication to his wife Rochelle, herself a member of the Clever IT team and his two children.
Ben deals with customers, prospects, competitors and partners with an incredible level of respect, kindness and dedication. Ben has developed “The Clever Way” team ethic - a method of communicating and dealing with our customers and partners to ensure that we are all able to develop long-standing, fantastic relationships with our peers.
He has overseen the growth of Clever IT from just himself when he started the company in 2012, to three staff in 2014, to eight staff now in 2016 and we are looking to recruit further.
Not just satisfied with building a successful business, Ben works hard for local charities. He gives free equipment, advice and labour to Bleakholt Animal Sanctuary, is a patron of Bolton Lads and Girls Club and gives equipment and support to the Be Strong Organisation.
Ben is a remarkable man and a great leader. He inspires, encourages and guides all of us to being better people.
All entries which meet the competition criteria are published and our judging panel select a shortlist of the top three for each category. Winners are announced at an awards ceremony in summer 2016.
