Saturday March 15 2025
Swindon & Wiltshire News
Upmarket furniture firm Neptune has been named as one of three national winners in HSBC’s Global Connections competition, an initiative to find the country’s most innovative and forward-thinking businesses.
The companies picked up their award at a prestigious ceremony held at Cameron House in Loch Lomond, Scotland.
Swindon-based Neptune was unveiled as one of two winners of the SME category, which is for companies with a turnover of up to £30 million.
The businesses were selected from thousands of entries from across the UK to become one of the 15 regional winners invited to attend the UK National Final event, hosted by Katie Derham.
HSBC UK Chief Executive António Simões said: “HSBC’s Global Connections celebrates the forward thinking, innovative businesses driving economic growth in the UK.
“Across a diverse range of sectors – from furniture makers to oil engineers to craft brewers – the 15 UK finalists have all demonstrated vision and passion in growing their business both at home and overseas.
“Making the final decision was very difficult, which demonstrates the strength of our finalists, and of UK business.”
Neptune is an international lifestyle brand that designs and manufactures handcrafted furniture and accessories for the whole home.
As co-founder of the Blagrove-based business, John Sims-Hilditch leads the company’s creative direction, brand development and customer-centric philosophy, with a focus on outstanding product development and the delivery of Neptune’s multi-channel distribution network.
The company is forecasting a 25 percent growth in business through an increased online presence and 10 new stores across the UK and North East Europe.
Mr Sims-Hilditch said: “We’re delighted and humbled by winning this award. It was something that we truly wanted to win but felt it was going to be incredibly hard with such amazing talent here.
“This means a huge amount to the business. We’re planning to build a business that will last a long time and this will help build the DNA that we are a special business. The staff will take a lot from that.”
