Nick Griffiths, Managing Director and Owner of Industrial Cooling Equipment Ltd (ICE), has been awarded Entrepreneur of the Year at the distinguished Halton Business Awards 2025.
This accolade celebrates individuals who demonstrate outstanding entrepreneurial drive, creativity, and sustained growth within the Halton area – and Nick’s journey with ICE over the past 15 years stands as a powerful testament to these qualities.
ICE, a family-run business based in Runcorn, has built a strong reputation across the refrigeration sector as a trusted and respected name.
Since taking over leadership in 2011, Nick has overseen an impressive 500% increase in revenue, developing ICE from a small outfit with just three engineers into a thriving enterprise.
Reflecting on his achievement, Nick commented:
“It’s nice to get some recognition for the past 15 years of work I’ve put into ICE. When I took over in 2011, we had £5,000 in the bank, a looming £12k tax bill, and just a few engineers – myself included. I had no business experience at all. What I did have was grit, determination, and a vision.”
Born in Liverpool and educated at New Heys Comprehensive, Nick’s path was far from conventional. He was excluded from school shortly before completing his final year but returned to sit his GCSEs. At 16, he worked part-time in a butcher’s shop before joining ICE in 2001 as an apprentice – the company where his father had been a director.
Gaining practical knowledge from seasoned professionals, Nick rapidly progressed through the business, eventually becoming a senior engineer overseeing pharmaceutical accounts during a time of increased regulatory pressure.
In 2011, following the heartbreaking loss of his father to Motor Neurone Disease, 26-year-old Nick stepped in as the sole director – despite lacking formal business education.
Relying solely on hands-on experience and a relentless work ethic, he navigated the business through tough times and learnt how to lead while under intense pressure.
“That time was unbelievably hard – personally and professionally,” Nick recalled. “I had to make ICE a success, not just for myself, but for my family and everyone who depended on the business. There were countless sleepless nights, months I couldn’t pay myself, and moments when I questioned everything. But I kept going.”
Today, ICE is set to expand its team to over 20 employees, runs a thriving apprenticeship scheme, and is known for both technical expertise and excellent customer care.
The company was named BID Business of the Year in 2015 and secured Family Business of the Year titles at the Halton Business Awards in both 2019 and 2023. In 2025, Nick’s individual contribution has now been formally recognised with the Entrepreneur of the Year award.
“It’s easy to look at the numbers today and miss what it took to get here,” said Nick. “The callouts at 3 am to save money, missing family events, turning up to work after losing both parents – this is what being an entrepreneur looks like behind the scenes. It’s not glamorous, it’s just hard work, sacrifice, and believing in your team and your mission.”
Looking ahead, Nick is ambitious about the future of ICE:
“We’re aiming to become a £10 million turnover company. That will come through a combination of strategic acquisitions and organic development. The foundation is there – now it’s time to build on it.”
