North West Family Business of the Year 2025
We’re thrilled to share some exciting news from the heart of Widdop & Co. — we’ve been named North West Family Business of the Year 2025 at this year’s North West Family Business Awards!
The awards ceremony took place on Friday 9 May at the stunning Rum Warehouse in Liverpool’s Titanic Hotel, where more than 400 guests came together to celebrate the region’s most inspiring family businesses. It was an unforgettable evening, and we’re deeply honoured to have been recognised not just once, but twice — also receiving the Wholesale Visionaries Award in the wholesaler category.
A Proud Moment for a Fifth-Generation Family Business
Widdop & Co. has been part of the British gift and homeware landscape since 1883, when our story began with clockmaker William Widdop in Brighouse. Over 140 years later, we’re proud to still be a family-run gift and homeware wholesaler, now led by fifth-generation brothers Stephen and Dan Illingworth, who took over the reins in 2023 through a family management buyout.
While we’ve grown into a leading UK wholesale gift supplier – home to over 35 brands and 11,000 products – our values remain the same: integrity, creativity, and a deep commitment to our team and customers. Whether we’re designing a heartfelt keepsake or launching an exciting new collection like our Softies plush toys, every product has a story to tell.
Celebrating Team Widdop
These awards are a celebration of the incredible people behind the scenes — our extended Widdop family.
CEO Stephen Illingworth shared:
“We’re immensely proud of our heritage and so excited about our future. Receiving these awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire Widdop family. Standing amongst this amazing community is an honour.”
Managing Director Dan Illingworth added:
“Stephen and I are Illingworths, and we see everyone in our business as part of the Widdop family. These accolades wouldn’t be possible without their unwavering commitment and passion.”
Looking Ahead
Being recognised as North West Family Business of the Year is a meaningful milestone for us — but it's also a reminder of what drives us every day: bringing joy to people’s lives through meaningful gifts, and doing so with heart.
We’re incredibly grateful to The Family Business Community for organising such a memorable event and shining a light on the importance of family-run businesses across the region.
Learn more about our story, explore our brands, or browse our collections.
For the full list of winners, head over to the 2025 Winners – North West Family Business Awards.
