About the Business
Founded in 1999 and based in Dronfield, Derbyshire, West Special Fasteners specialises in manufacturing high-quality stainless steel fasteners for a range of sectors, including defence, construction, renewable energy, oil and gas and even heritage restoration. The company designs and manufactures custom solutions and precision-engineered bolts for many challenging environments.
They are specialists in hot forging and have expanded into machining, with a strong ethos for R&D and innovation to retain their competitive edge. Their commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, community support and excellent customer service underscores their role as leaders in specialist fastener production.
With a strong base of UK business, their international business has so far grown organically, with export orders to 54 countries in the last 12 months. They are now focussed on developing their export strategy for key strategic markets.
Prestigious projects featuring West Special Fasteners include:
- The Spinnaker Tower, Portsmouth
- Helix Bridge in Singapore’s Marina Bay
- HMS Victory restoration, Portsmouth Dockyard
- Triton Submarine Mariana trench, Pacific Ocean
- Centre Parcs
Challenges Faced
Following a Management Buyout in 2024, the new leadership team at West Special Fasteners were keen to build a stronger understanding of the regional manufacturing landscape and the opportunities available closer to home.
Until then, they hadn’t been involved with local business groups and recognised that they could be missing out on valuable connections. By joining the East Midlands Manufacturing Network (EMMN), they aimed to establish relationships with other local manufacturers, share knowledge, and explore opportunities for collaboration complementing the support already provided through their national trade association membership.
The team were also keen to learn more about the business support available through the Chamber and its partners, from funding opportunities to skills development and export advice, all of which could play an important role in delivering their ambitious growth strategy both in the UK and internationally.
The solution and Impact
After joining EMMN in 2024, James Hawkins (CEO) and Simon Grass-Smith (Business Development Manager) quickly discovered the value of being part of a peer network designed specifically for manufacturers.
Through these meetings, they have built valuable relationships with fellow manufacturers and EMMN partners, which has directly supported the development and delivery of their business growth strategy. One of the most reassuring aspects has been realising that many of the challenges they face are common across different manufacturing sectors, giving them fresh perspectives, new ideas, and practical solutions to bring back into the business.
James has also championed wider engagement with EMMN across his team. He not only attends meetings himself but encourages colleagues to participate in other sessions across the region. Using this approach their Sales and Marketing Apprentice has benefitted from attending meetings, gaining early exposure to professional networking. This experience not only supports confidence and skill development but also contributes towards formal apprenticeship learning outcomes.
For West Special Fasteners, EMMN membership has become an integral part of their journey helping them build strong local networks, support staff development, and access expert advice to underpin their long-term ambitions.
Showcasing Success
and Building Connections through East Midlands Chamber
Beyond network connections, EMMN has been a gateway for West Special Fasteners to wider East Midlands Chamber support. The East Midlands Chamber Business Advisers continue to play an important role in supporting West Special Fasteners on their growth journey. Through tailored advice and introductions, the team has helped the business access funded activities and grant support, including the Derbyshire Accelerator. Most recently, the company secured an EMCCA Export Accelerator grant to strengthen their export strategy, which will be invested in website development to support entry into new international markets.
The business has also made the most of skills training opportunities for employees across the team, engaging in Accelerator-funded workshops and webinars, as well as the East Midlands Chamber Director Development Programme, ensuring leadership capability grows alongside the business. Looking ahead, the management team is working with the Chamber’s Innovation team to explore additional support through Innovate UK.
Recognition has also followed. Sonja Skelton, Managing Director, is a 2025 finalist in the Chamber’s Enterprising Women Awards, celebrating her leadership within the sector. Meanwhile, an introduction to the Chamber Media Team via EMMN created significant profile-raising opportunities: a full-page feature in Business Network magazine, followed by a national TV news interview. The latter drove a sharp increase in website traffic and brand awareness, underlining the real impact of being part of both the Chamber and the EMMN community.
“Being part of the East Midlands Chamber and its Manufacturing Network has been hugely valuable for West Special Fasteners. The support, connections and fresh ideas we’ve gained not only drive our growth strategy but also inspire us to contribute more locally. We were Chamber members many years ago when the only benefit we saw was stamping certificates of origin, but the organisation has changed and improved so much. Deborah encouraged us to get involved, Francesca linked us to support, Richard assisted with business needs, and Scott Knowles introduced us to the King’s Award and Chamber awards.”
James Hawkins
CEO