Small Business of the Year

J W Myers Monumental Masons

J W MYERS Monumental Masons is a family-owned business which opened its doors in 2005 in Main Street in Wheldrake.

The firm hired a workshop from a local farmer and operated out of a leaking farm building with barely enough light to see what they were doing.

Fast forward 14 years and it is believed to be the largest memorial specialist in North Yorkshire, creating and putting up more than 500 bespoke memorials a year.

The firm has branches in York, Easingwold, Goole and Scarborough equipped with the latest machinery as well hammers and chisels for those who prefer a more traditional touch. It has plans to expand into Beverley and Malton.

James Myers said: “Our strategy from the start was to offer high quality memorials at reasonable prices in granite, slate, lime stone, sandstone and marble from around the world.”

Its early success enabled the firm to move out of the small office and leaky workshop and open on Millfield Industrial Estate, Wheldrake. The new location allowed the business to grow and accommodate more work so a large advertising campaign was started with daily adverts in the York Press and across other media.

Mr Myers said: “We went from strength to strength and pushed our way to the top through the best customer service, fair prices and quality products.

“We try our hardest to support the communities we are based in by raising funds for local charities.

“We strongly believe in giving back to the communities which support us, that is why we offer five free memorials per year. We have found families unable to mark the grave of a loved one due to lack of funds suffer greatly with guilt and continued sadness. So, we take nominations for five families in this situation and we supply, create and erect five free-of-charge memorials to help those in the greatest need.”

The firm is proud of the fact that in 14 years it’s not lost a single member of staff through resignation.

In recognition of their hard work employees are given vouchers for weekends away, spa days or local restaurants, and every Christmas the firm throws a paid-for party.

“This makes sure our staff are friends as well as work colleagues,” added Mr Myers.