Introduction
The Engineering Excellence category at the Cherwell Business Awards (CBAs) celebrates companies that excel in engineering innovation, demonstrate exceptional craftsmanship, and maintain rigorous quality control. This award is sponsored by High Spec Composites, a leading manufacturer of aluminium tooling and high-specification carbon fibre components for industries such as Formula One and bespoke engineering projects.
High Spec Composites, based in Oxfordshire, epitomises excellence in manufacturing. With a state-of-the-art facility and a highly-skilled team, the company delivers high-quality components that leverage cutting-edge technologies and advanced materials. The company is known for its commitment to efficient communication with clients, meeting deadlines, and maintaining strict confidentiality and professionalism throughout each project. The sponsor’s ethos aligns closely with the values of the Engineering Excellence award: continual development, innovative practices, and uncompromising standards. High Spec Composites has a history of supporting the Cherwell Business Awards, both as a sponsor and as a past winner, earning accolades in 2016 and 2018.
In 2023, The Little Car Company emerged as the Engineering Excellence category winner. Their unique approach to designing and manufacturing scaled-down classic cars, combined with their commitment to quality and innovation, made them a standout choice for this prestigious accolade.
About the Little Car Company
The Little Car Company makes officially branded drivable little cars for luxury high-end motor manufacturers. They are 75% scale, 100% electric and 200% fun tributes to classic cars: boasting swappable batteries, a sliding pedal box, regenerative braking and different driving modes. We’re already making cars for Bugatti, Aston Martin, Bentley and Ferrari plus there are more to follow.
Beautifully engineered vehicles don’t just appear at our client’s front doors – they are a result of months and sometimes years of meticulous design, dedicated craftsmanship, uncompromising testing and a personal customer experience second to none. Following and encapsulating our core values of Starting simple, Collaboration, Accountability, Diversity, Communication and Adventure.
Based in the heart of Oxfordshire at the iconic and growing Bicester Heritage, The Little Car Company have now built and delivered over 400 cars all around the globe.
Interview with Simon Laughlin, Director at the Little Car Company
- Could you share any comments or reflections on the Cherwell Business Awards process from your perspective?
The whole process has been straightforward and easy to follow. It was clear what was required and the timeframe in which responses would be monitored. It was also a reasonable length of time through each stage.
- What motivated The Little Car Company to apply for the Engineering Excellence Award?
When we attended the launch event as winners of the small business in 2022, this jumped out straightaway as the obvious fit for us. It encapsulated what we are all about in terms of authenticity and attention detail embedded in a solid engineering platform. With key focus and emphasis on safety and priding ourselves on our ability to design and assemble exquisite vehicles building on and expanding our grand but representing our partner manufacturers. It was the perfect fit.
- What did winning the Award mean to The Little Car Company, and what impact did it make?
It was wonderful to be nominated and shortlisted amongst such prestigious companies within the local area. Then to win was a very pleasant surprise. Often in busy working environment it hard to take time to appreciate the time and effort that ahs gone into the projects. The CBAs helped reflect for the whole team. Still as a newer business in the area and industry it reaffirmed our place within the local community which we hope to grow further.
- Considering your experience, what advice would The Little Car Company offer to businesses considering entering the award category this year?
First and foremost Go for it! It is worth taking the time and effort to apply and follow the process. Give yourself time to consider your answers and what the judges are looking for. It is very rewarding to look back and reflect on your achievements and show how proud you are what you’ve achieved and shared that with other likeminded local businesses.
Engineering Excellence in Action
Comments from Sarah Jaycock, Executive Director, High Spec Composites on what made The Little Car Company stand out in their application process:
The Little Car Company were stand out applicants in the Engineering Excellent category 2023, as they not only met, but exceeded our written criteria, and were able to demonstrate with ease why they are such a viable and successful business within the sector.
It was evident throughout the application and judging process The Little Car Company has excellent leadership, which is supported and complimented by a diverse and highly skilled team who are passionate about crafting their vehicles.
We were impressed by the high level of research, development and innovation that goes into designing and manufacturing the cars, and likewise the vigorous quality control in place ensuring the vehicles meet customer expectation, are sympathetic to original full-scale manufacture, and can be officially licensed by elite brands such as Ferrari and Bentley.
The Little Car Company were very open with us about some of the challenges they have overcome, such as reinterpreting classic designs to meet modern safety standards but without compromising on the essence or authentic feel of the car, and in developing scale version cars which are road legal.
It was clear management have an excellent understanding of their market, as well as a clear strategy for ongoing growth and development within it.
We were especially impressed with the consideration of modern sustainability in the production of their cars, which was evident in the manufacture of their fully electric Bentley Blower Jnr.
It was a pleasure to award The Little Car Company as winners of Engineering Excellence, and we look forward to seeing what the future holds for them.