A ONE-MAN business is rubbing shoulders with giants including Deloitte and Barclays after again securing a top national award.

Future Sales Factory, which offers training and event management to large organisations around the world, was awarded the Gold Employer Recognition Scheme Award from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2018 at an awards ceremony in London.

Earlier this month, the Haddington-based business received confirmation that it would regain the award at the five-year point.

Matthew Quinn, managing director of the business, said: “It’s a real honour to be recognised for our contribution to the armed services in this way. We were awarded the silver level in 2016 and worked hard toward the gold level from that moment.

“Being the smallest business in Britain with this award is wonderful, as it shows that small businesses based in East Lothian can punch just as hard as the big names that win these accolades.

“To be presented the award alongside names like Deloitte and Barclays was really satisfying and to have the award renewed feels even better.

“I’m pleased that our services are being recognised.

'Gratifying'

“I served in the army in the 1990s and I know first-hand how difficult it is to leave and enter the commercial world.

“I’ve been very lucky in my career and have built a business of which I am proud, and to be able to use that business to help service people who leave is gratifying.”

The gold award is the highest level of recognition that the Ministry of Defence can give to a business.

In Scotland, the award is also held by organisations such as ABRDN, Lothian Buses, Edinburgh City Council and Arnold Clark Ltd.

The award is given for a five-year period and businesses are then awarded a renewal if they continue their services to the Ministry of Defence.

'It does make me smile'

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) encourages employers to support defence and inspire others to do the same.

Next month, at a presentation in Edinburgh City Chambers, Future Sales Factory will have its award renewed for the first time.

Mr Quinn, who lives in Haddington, is also a member of another organisation that holds the gold award, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, in which he serves as an on-call firefighter.

The 50-year-old added: “It does make me smile that I am a gold award winner twice, although I can’t claim any credit for the work the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service did toward the recognition.”

Future Sales Factory, at Brewery Park Business Centre, offers free commercial training to those leaving the service. It has also sponsored local sports teams including Musselburgh Rugby Club and Gullane Hockey Club.