Bournemouth: Superior Ferndown business owner awarded MBE

A successful manufacturer from Ferndown, who has developed an award-winning apprenticeship academy, has been awarded an MBE in the New Year Honours list.

Tim Brown MBE is managing director of Superior Group in the Ferndown Industrial Estate, which produces O-rings and seals for the UK and international market, exporting them to around 45 countries including China, the USA and across Europe.

He employs 185 people, including 18 apprentices in the company-run Superior Academy, which was opened by the Duke of Kent and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset in 2012.

Brown, who had no idea he had been nominated for the honour, was delighted to receive his citation for an MBE for services to business, apprenticeships and charitable services in the south.

He said: “It was a complete surprise – but a wonderful one. It’s a marvellous recognition, especially coming at a time when we’re aiming to develop the business further.”

The business has been going from strength to strength, with turnover increasing by 50% in the past five years, and is a strong supporter of local charities including Julia’s House Children’s Hospice, Wessex Youth Trust and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Brown puts the success down to a fantastic team of people and reinvestment – £15 million has been ploughed back into the business since 2009 – and also the impact of the apprenticeship scheme.

“We’re very enthusiastic about training young people and we are seeing a very significant benefit to the business from the Superior Academy,” he said.

“A number of our early apprentices now have senior roles because of their abilities.”