Double win for family firm at business awards
A Rushden-based family business is celebrating after scooping two awards at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards.
Inter County Service Group Ltd was named Family Business of the Year before going on to be crowned the Overall Winner at the awards ceremony, held at cinch Stadium Franklin’s Gardens.
Founded in 1978 by Keith Nicholson as a small office cleaning business, Inter County has grown into a multi-service group offering commercial cleaning, waste management, washroom hygiene services and janitorial supplies to organisations across the East Midlands.
Now a second and third-generation family business, Inter County employs more than 400 people and continues to build long-term relationships with clients ranging from schools and housing associations to major brands.
The Family Business of the Year category celebrates businesses that successfully combine commercial growth with strong family values at their core – something Inter County has championed for almost five decades.
Finance Director Callum Nicholson said: “We are absolutely delighted to win both Family Business of the Year and the Overall Winner award. It’s an incredible achievement for everyone connected to Inter County. What made the moment particularly special is that the whole family were able to attend and celebrate together on the night.
“This business has always been about family, not just the Nicholson family, but our wider team and the relationships we have built with our clients over the years who we treat as family. To be recognised in this way is a real testament to the hard work, loyalty and dedication of our people.”
The award wins come at an exciting time for the business, which recently announced the acquisition of Corby cleaning company Clean4Shaw Facilities Management, almost doubling its team.
Award organisers, Events and PR, said: “A huge congratulations to Inter County for winning Family Business of the Year and being the Overall Winner at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards 2026. An incredible, well-deserved achievement.”
After winning Family Business of the Year at the SME Northamptonshire Business Awards, Inter County Service Group now go through to the finals of the National SME Awards in the same category. The ceremony takes place at Leonardo Royal, London Tower Bridge Hotel on Friday 6th November.
To find out more about Inter County Service Group, visit https://intercountyltd.co.uk.
