Daltons Win Family Business of the Year Award for Innovation

We are delighted to announce that Daltons has been named National Family Business of the Year – Innovation Winner at the prestigious Family Business of the Year Awards 2026.

Organised by Family Business United (FBU), the awards are the UK's leading celebration of family-owned businesses, recognising companies that demonstrate excellence, innovation, sustainability and long-term stewardship. Established in 2012, the awards shine a national spotlight on the vital contribution family firms make to the UK economy and communities.

The accolade recognises family-owned businesses that demonstrate exceptional innovation, long-term vision, and a commitment to continuous improvement. For Daltons, it is recognition of a journey that has been more than a century in the making.

Founded in Nottingham in 1901 by Arthur Lowe Dalton, Daltons has grown through four generations of family leadership and more than 125 years of continuous innovation. Renowned for its expertise in woodworking machinery, the business now combines this heritage with a market-leading portfolio of advanced manufacturing technologies, including CNC routers, fibre lasers, press brakes, panel saws and automatic crosscutting systems, serving customers across the UK and Ireland.

Alex Dalton, Managing Director and fourth-generation family leader, commented:

"At Daltons we innovate in almost everything we do. We remain incredibly proud of our woodworking heritage and the customers who have supported us for generations. At the same time, we've embraced new technologies and new markets, ensuring Daltons continues to evolve whilst staying true to the values that have defined our business since 1901."

Over the last decade, Daltons has undertaken a significant transformation. Whilst remaining one of the UK's most respected suppliers of woodworking machinery, the business has successfully expanded into advanced manufacturing sectors providing industrial equipment for working with a range of materials including solid-wood, wood-based panels, plastics, composites, metal, foam and rubber. This strategic evolution has enabled the company to support a broader range of industries whilst continuing to serve the woodworking, joinery and timber sectors that have been central to its success for generations.

Innovation has also extended beyond products and technology. Significant investment has been made in demonstration and training facilities, service infrastructure, digital transformation and customer support. The business has expanded its team of regionally based service engineers, enhanced technical support capabilities, and continued to invest in operator training, helping thousands of learners develop the skills needed for modern manufacturing.

The award also recognises the company's commitment to responsible growth. Daltons continues to invest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives, including ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 certifications. The company's training division has now successfully trained more than 10,000 learners, supporting skills development across manufacturing and engineering industries, whilst an 80% reduction in general waste sent to landfill demonstrates the business's ongoing commitment to sustainability. Daltons is also actively working towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Heather Dalton, Brand & Communications Manager, added:

"Innovation isn't something that happens overnight. It comes from having the confidence to evolve whilst staying true to who you are. As a family business, we are fortunate to have a long-term perspective, allowing us to invest in our people, our brand, our customers and our future. This award is a wonderful recognition of that collective effort."

As Daltons continues its next chapter, with an expanding product portfolio, ongoing investment in customer support and training, and an ambitious vision for the future. The company remains committed to the same principles that have guided it for over 125 years: heritage, integrity and innovation.

Whilst the award has been presented to a family business, it reflects the contribution of an entire team whose dedication, expertise and commitment continue to drive Daltons forward. We would like to thank everyone who has played a part in this achievement. Our employees, customers, suppliers, partners and the wider manufacturing community. This award belongs to all those who have supported Daltons over the years and helped shape the business we are today.

Together, we look forward to continuing the journey.