Bolton-based Grubs has been named SME of the Year at the GM Skills Awards 2026, recognising the ninth-generation family business's commitment to apprenticeships and skills development with Bolton College.
Footwear & Fashion Today reports that Grubs has been named SME of the Year at the GM Skills Awards 2026, recognising the Bolton-based, ninth-generation family business's commitment to developing young talent and supporting skills in the workplace.
The award celebrates small and medium-sized enterprises that have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to supporting apprenticeships, workforce development and skills across Greater Manchester. Grubs received the accolade at the annual ceremony, with the presentation made by the Partnership Manager at GMPLN alongside Mark Smith, Digital Work-Based Tutor at Bolton College, who nominated the business for the award.
Grubs praised Bolton College for the support it has provided to apprentice Lucas, highlighting the impact of its digital training programme and the dedication of tutor Mark Smith.
David Foster, Grubs CEO, said:
"We are very impressed with the support and tuition that Lucas received from Bolton College. His tutor, Mark, and the whole team have been amazing. Through their efforts in preparing and educating students in the skills they require for the modern world of social networks and online marketing, they are positioning Greater Manchester to be a hub for the online marketplace as it continues to evolve."
Grubs also thanked the organisers of the awards:
"A big thanks also to the team behind the GM Skills Awards 2026 for our award and their continued support of businesses and the young people of Greater Manchester, as well as the category sponsor, the Edge Foundation."
Nine generations of investing in people
Grubs has combined traditional craftsmanship with innovation for more than 200 years of Bolton heritage, and the family maintains that investing in the next generation of talent remains essential to the business's long-term strategy — as true of the apprentices training in digital marketing today as it was of the bootmakers who came before them.
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