Started as a timber merchant in Cambridge more than a century ago, Ridgeons’ products now range from kitchens to flooring, and last year it launched PlumbStock, a heating and plumbing brand. Led by managing director Nick Sims, 56, and group finance director Ian Northen, 41, it serves customers from 26 stores across east England. Profits reached £6.2m in 2014, thanks to strong timber sales and the expansion of its Anglia Tool Centre brand, which now has five stores.