A UK market leader is in the running for the Small Business of the Year title at The Press Business Awards 2016.

Established in 1971, Langver designs and manufactures ratchet tensioners for use on curtain-sided lorries to 90 per cent of the UK market from its two units on Thirsk Industrial Park.

A management buyout in 2005 saw managing directors Scott Taylor and Claire Matten take over the business.

Since then they have implemented an ambitious strategy which has seen the business grow year on year. A rebrand helped them establish an identity for the business and they now regularly engage with their customers via social media and website news features.

Their marketing material has received a refresh and customers can benefit from printed product charts and user guide videos. Langver are currently working with Eddie Stobart to produce Langver tensioner user guides for their staff training.

Recognising the potential for growth in Europe, Langver have invested £190,000 in machinery and are currently completing ISO 9001 Certification to help in their drive to attract larger European contracts.

A new stock control system ensures a more efficient customer experience and Langver has recently expanded into a second unit, operating as an assembly, packing and distribution centre to support unit one which provides design, production and manufacture.

Unlike its competitors, Langver designs and manufactures products to fit each client’s requirements.

The ratchet tensioners, found on all four corners of a curtainsider trailer, are manufactured from the best materials available, using the latest technology and a highly skilled workforce.