Employing 65 people, Focus SB Ltd was set up in 2000 and is a manufacturer of wiring devices. In 2017 the company made history in its industry when it became the first and only European manufacturer to gain CQC factory accreditation to supply and sell wiring accessories directly from Europe to mainland China, also gaining full CCC license for all of its products for the Chinese marketplace.
After greeting invited local dignitaries and guests on arrival, The Princess Royal toured the Focus SB main factory during which she was given electrical accessories product manufacturing process demonstrations including both traditional and robot technology, hand finishing including spray painting and component hand assembly.
Her Royal Highness greeted employees from each department, including apprentices and trainees from local charity Little Gate Supported Employment after which she formally presented The King’s Awards for Enterprise trophy to Mr Gary Stevens introduced by Mr Andrew Blackman, Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex.
The Princess Royal gave a short speech of congratulations and presented The King’s Awards for Enterprise engraved crystal winner trophy to Mr Gary Stevens, MD, who accepted the award on behalf of Focus SB with a short speech of thanks. Mrs Terri Hoey, sales office manager then presented Her Royal Highness with gifts comprising a Sussex Trug containing a floral arrangement of locally grown flowers from Sussex Cutting Garden presented with honey from a beehive sponsored by Focus SB at SW Honey Farms and a wreath of flowers grown and handmade by the trainees at Little Gate Farm. Sussex Cutting Garden also provided an attractive floral arrangement to decorate the company’s reception area for the occasion.
The Princess Royal then unveiled a commemorative plaque manufactured in-house by the company to mark her visit.
Mr Stevens commented: “It was an absolute honour to host HRH The Princess Royal at our factory in Hastings and to receive our King’s Award from her. I think she spoke to virtually every member of staff and was very knowledgeable. What a year for Focus SB and me personally, getting to meet The King, a Princess and a Duchess! This visit rounds off one of the most exciting years in the company’s history.”
“It’s a huge honour for an SME based in Hastings to have the recognition of The King’s Awards, one of the most prestigious awards a company can be bestowed, but in addition to that, meeting The King at Buckingham Palace and then to have a visit from The Princess Royal is a huge boost and reward for every single employee at Focus SB, without whom, none of this would have been possible. I have been in manufacturing of electrical products all of my career and I started off as a 16-year-old technical apprentice and have worked my way through various businesses from technical to marketing, sales and general management and I have been an MD of two manufacturing companies, including currently with Focus SB."
A Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Southern Export Champion, Mr Stevens concluded: "I am passionate about manufacturing and introducing more young people into manufacturing and encouraging them to take up apprenticeships, I would like to think that we are doing our bit here at Focus SB by working with local educational establishments, employment agencies and local charities to fulfil that goal, and that my own journey can act as a beacon for those young people who may be thinking about a career in manufacturing and what can be achieved. After all, manufacturing accounts for 2.6 million jobs in the UK and we are the 8th largest manufacturing country in the world!”
You can view HRH The Princess Royal visit their factory here: https://vimeo.com/892294157
View their full press release on their website here: https://www.focus-sb.co.uk/company/awards/kings-awards-for-enterprise-2023
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Our adoption of a broad, global vision has provided an important springboard for sustained and tangible growth, yielding an average of 9-10 new customers each month, of which 20% are international. We are very proud of all that we have done and receiving The King’s Award is important endorsement of our efforts, providing a motivational springboard to continue moving forward.
Our global vision has been augmented by looking across sectors and diversifying into other industries which include the likes of entertainment, aquaculture, construction and renewables as well as traditional spheres such as oil and gas and subsea. This has fostered sustainability and solid foundations from which we continue to expand our corporate horizons, at home and abroad.
Another key to maintaining an ongoing and steep upward trajectory was the creation of a strategic partnership with leading Austrian chain manufacturer, pewag. In early 2022, LMS worked hard to bring global investment to Aberdeen and secured this fellow market leader and the two organisations were able to join forces.
Entering The King’s Award for Enterprise provided an important opportunity for us to refocus our attention on plans for our international business aspirations, and the self-reflective nature of the process allowed us to recap and recalibrate both our motivators and our expectations.
To be rewarded in a way which is so widely recognised, and held in such high esteem, reminds us just what is possible when a good team works in unison, and buoys us for the future which we now anticipate with confidence and optimism.
~ Managing Director of Load Monitoring Systems (LMS).
About LMS
LMS specialises in the design, manufacturing, sales, rental, and calibration of intelligent lifting equipment and load monitoring products and services, including load cells, line tension units, winch monitoring, air moving products, digital pad eye systems, data logging and crane safety instrumentation. LMS provides support in over 45 countries and to a wide range of industry sectors, including energy, subsea, decommissioning, renewables, entertainment, aquaculture and construction. To find out more, visit www.LoadMonitoringSystems.com
The 2024 King's Awards for Enterprise round will open on 6 May 2024. Keep your eye on our website and social media for updates!
]]>Managing Director Rob Ferris said: “From our Innovation Centre in Cornwall, we design and build advanced engineering equipment for clients all over the world. In fact, 95% of our sales are in export. We had been through a period of exceptional growth over recent years. Being well aware of how highly regarded the King’s Awards are, we felt that this would be the right time to apply.”
Feritech Global was founded in 2015 by Rob Ferris and Gemma Ferris. It is an advanced engineering company specialising in designing and building products that are used in extreme marine environments. The company built its reputation by carrying out marine geotechnical surveys. Although only a small team, Feritech challenged themselves to develop world-leading products that would set new standards. Their current strategic focus is on the fast-growing offshore renewables industry and the company’s product range includes innovations that are helping to streamline and accelerate offshore projects around the world.
Rob Ferris said: “Obviously the application and assessment process is rigorous, but the guidance on how to apply is very clear. Feritech received a King’s Award for International Trade for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over three years. In the period under review, we demonstrated overseas earnings growth of 1,210%.”
Feritech now trades in more than 40 countries around the world, including the USA, France, Germany and Singapore.
Rob continued: “We are delighted and honoured to have been selected for such a prestigious award. This recognition will help to raise our profile and reputation in our industry, which in turn will support our continued drive for new business. As a small but growing business, we also want to ensure that we attract the best engineering talent, and the King’s Award will give a great boost to our efforts in this area.
“Most of all it is fantastic recognition to our team for all their hard work and dedication over recent years and has had a great effect on team morale and motivation.”
When asked about any tips he might have for other businesses who are thinking of applying, Rob said: “My most important tip is to start well ahead of the submission deadline! We started working on our application more than six months before the September deadline. It went through a number of drafts and definitely improved with each pass. So make sure you allow enough time to do your business justice.”
Feritech attended a special reception along with other successful awardees, hosted by His Majesty The King, at Buckingham Palace in June. The Award itself – a crystal trophy and official grant of appointment document – will be presented at a special ceremony conducted by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant in Cornwall.
Rob says: “The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is recognised and respected around the world. We expect that it will be a springboard for our continued growth, as it boosts our profile and provides our company with a compelling competitive edge. Indeed, since April, we have already seen an increase in customer enquiries.”
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The King’s Award for Enterprise celebrates outstanding achievements by UK businesses and is internationally recognised. Lancashire-based GaraDry® has won the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
Ashley Smith, 43, who founded the company in 2009, attended Buckingham Palace during the summer to celebrate his company’s achievement.
The actual award was presented by HRH The Duke of Gloucester on Friday.
Based in Ormskirk, Lancashire, GaraDry® designs, manufactures, and sells the world’s largest range of threshold seals for residential garage doors and commercial doors.
The innovative garage door seals and flood barrier kits are designed to form a watertight seal between a garage door and the floor. The threshold seal also prevents leaves, dust and debris from being blown under to ensure a clean and dry garage all year round. The garage door threshold seals also act as a defence against rodents, insects and reptiles.
The company has grown its domestic and international sales dramatically in the last three years and is a proud exporter of British designed and manufactured products.
GaraDry® opened a subsidiary in the USA in 2017 (GaraDry LLC), to handle strong interest from Americans in the products and launched a fulfilment centre in Tennessee to ship transatlantic orders quickly.
A warehouse was also set up in Germany in 2022 to fulfil all EU orders and smooth the challenges of Brexit.
Ashley Smith, managing director of GaraDry®, added:
“We were thrilled to receive the visit from HRH The Duke of Gloucester who presented our team with this award which will now take pride of place in our reception. We are all delighted and humbled for our company, which started off life in a garden shed, to receive this accolade.
“It encourages us even further to continue designing innovative products for people all over the world. This has been a great year for GaraDry® and this is the perfect springboard for us as we work on our growth plans for 2024.”
Ashley Dalton MP for West Lancashire said:
“It is great that innovative companies like GaraDry® are recognised in this way and I’m sure this will inspire them to grow even further and continue to do great things on the international stage.”
Councillor Maureen Nixon, Mayor of West Lancashire said:
“I am proud and honoured to help celebrate the success of GaraDry® with the staff and His Royal Highness. It’s an incredible achievement for this local company which continues to grow, develop new products and is a fantastic success story.”
Jacqui Sinnott-Lacey, Chief Operating Officer, West Lancashire Borough Council
“It is an honour to be here today to meet the team behind such an inspirational organisation. GaraDry® is a fantastic example of a business based in our region that is expanding and reaching new territories all over the world.”
See uk.garadry.com
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Podium Pet Products are dedicated to their customers and their customers' pet’s lifestyle together, they bring to you trusted, innovative and, wherever possible, natural products.
Tell us a bit about Podium Pet Products?
THE WHY: We exist to fulfil the joy that pets give us as their parents by bringing to market trusted, innovative & natural solution based products.
THE WHAT: Our ‘Hero’ brands are Dog Rocks – stop pet pee being a pain in the grass – and Be:Loved – Natural wellness & lifestyle products for pets & their parents.
THE WHERE: We import from around the world and export to mostly the UK, EU and North American markets although are excited to branch out into other territories in 2024, with the help of the DB&T and on the back of winning a King’s Award in 2023.
Which international markets do you already export to?
Currently we export to the EU markets, mostly Germany and The Netherlands. We also do approx. 50% of our trade in the North American markets, both the USA and Canada.
Could you tell us about your export story? When did you begin to export?
We had a successful business model selling products for pets in the UK and as we attended trade shows, we were often meeting buyers from the EU, North America and the rest of the world. We therefore decided to do quite a bit of market research whilst learning on the job! We didn’t wait until everything was perfect, we went ahead and started to export knowing that we would learn an awful lot along the way, which we did. This was before Brexit when exporting to the EU was a lot easier than it is now.
At the same time, we took on the US market so we were juggling many balls at the same time. Once we found a suitable warehouse in the US and once we spent a year being fleeced by a rogue agent, we were able to establish a foothold and sales really took off. We then started to ship from the US into Canada, a natural progression.
There was a need to spend a lot of time ‘in market’ which was exhausting and involved a lot of travel.
What is the value of your exports and how has this grown your business?
I would say we export approx. £1m
What does it mean to receive a King's Award for Enterprise?
I think that there are 3 main effects of winning an award like this:
What do exports mean for your business?
As long as we don’t loose focus on the home market then exporting is key to our business but the challenge really is balancing exactly that, focus and exploration. Of course with more business comes more need for admin and sales and marketing functions which means of course more bums on seats!
What advice would you give to other businesses exporting?
Just do it! Don’t wait until the time is right as it never is. Just do it but know that you should learn at every turn. I also continually ask questions of people who are in market and who have gone before, doesn’t matter one bit if they are not from the same industry.
Find out more about The King's Awards.
Find out more about Podium Pet Products:
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Founder Lucy Goff realised that by applying cutting-edge technology and the rigour of science to the genius of nature, you can open a door to a new way of feeling. Not just preventing future ill health but allowing you to curate your future self. In just five years, LYMA has redefined the wellness category by fusing wellbeing and technology to lead the new WellTech category. LYMA products are always proven, always evidence-based, always medical-grade and always peer-reviewed.
LYMA has built a global network of experts, doctors and scientific advisors that are leaders in their fields. The business has two in-house scientific advisors. Professor Paul Clayton is LYMA’s Director of Science, a clinical pharmacologist, formerly Chair of the Forum on Food & Health (UK) and Senior Scientific Advisor to the UK Government's Committee on the Safety of Medicines. Dr Clayton is one of the world's leading experts in the fast-developing science of preventative ageing. Dr Graeme Glass PhD, LYMA’s Aesthetics Director, is one of the world's leading plastic and craniofacial surgeons and a lecturer in novel stem cell therapeutics at Oxford University. He’s recognised for his clinical excellence in craniofacial, cleft, facial palsy, facial trauma, microsurgery and keloid scarring.
LYMA achieved B Corp certification in September 2022 to cement its commitment to running a sustainable business. Since its launch LYMA has received numerous awards and accolades this culminated in April 2023 with the honour of receiving the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
The LYMA Supplement
Considered the gold standard within the evolving nutraceutical market. The Supplement is the only nutraceutical in the world to include ten powerful, peer-reviewed, patented ingredients included in the dosage proven to work. In an industry where over 90% of supplements are unproven, LYMA takes an evidence-based approach, delivering unrivalled results across sleep, anxiety, beauty, focus, performance and health.
The LYMA Laser
The world’s most powerful home beauty device. Peer-reviewed clinical evidence proves this technology’s ability to transform fine lines and wrinkles, pigmentation, scars and rosacea with daily use. Because the LYMA Laser rejuvenates skin with no cell damage it is the only skincare laser suitable for all skin tones. Until now, those with melanin-rich skin have been advised to avoid clinic laser treatments because of the risk of scarring.
The LYMA Laser is the only clinic-grade skincare laser FDA cleared for home use, and has recently been selected as one of TIME Magazine's Best Invention 2023. *
LYMA Skincare
Powered by GenolyticTM technology, LYMA patented technology addresses the eight mechanisms of skin ageing. Formulated with over 80% actives, LYMA Skincare is the first skin science to address why the skin ages, not just the signs.
A doctor-led clinical trial of its formula saw 72% improvement in skin hydration, 51% improvement in skin firmness, 24% improvement in skin elasticity and 21% reduction in redness, in just 30 days. This simple two-step protocol is proven to reverse the conditions associated with skin ageing
Which international markets do you already export to?
LYMA sells direct to consumers in 70 countries. LYMA’s primary markets are the US and UK.
The King’s Award is recognition of our plans to expand our customer base across the world, we see ourselves as an international business and have a global mindset. As well as a direct to consumer activities we also export to retail partners in the US, Hong Kong and Europe.
Could you tell us about your export story? When did you begin to export?
LYMA launched in 2018, selling the LYMA Supplement which firstly launched in the UK – the launch was so successful it sold out and we were then inundated with requests from Europe, the US and other countries. We quickly accelerated our international growth plans to be able to ship to most places in the world.
Initially we distributed all our products from a UK distribution centre, however our plans to have a more global distribution footprint were accelerated by Brexit and we now have hubs in UK, Europe and the US.
The launch of the LYMA Laser drove growth globally opening up new opportunities to acquire a different kind of wellness customer. Receiving the King’s Award in early 2023 saw more recognition for our products across the globe. The King’s Award accolade came just before the launch of our third product, LYMA Skincare, a ground-breaking innovation which created headlines around the world.
What is the value of your exports and how has this grown your business?
LYMA is building a British brand with a truly global footprint. In each country LYMA has entered, it has outperformed its initial forecasts and the market launch strategy is always supported by all parts of the business to give customers the true LYMA experience.
Key insights:
Is there a surprising fact about your exports?
The demand for LYMA products from the US has been overwhelmingly positive - when we launched our LYMA Laser to the US we had a waiting list of 10,000 people and sold out initial stock in 24 hours. Similarly for the LYMA Skincare launch our US customers were the first to sign up. American consumers are educated and informed about the science behind our products. They have found they are also very supportive of us as a female founded, and British brand and we believe they saw us receiving the King’s Award as the ultimate accolade.
What do exports mean for your business?
The international and domestic trading strategies work together to deliver LYMA’s mission of being the leader in its category and becoming the first WellTech super brand.
LYMA will only enter a market where it feels it can do the brand justice and exceed customers’ expectations in order to build the brand, influence word of mouth, and ensure all customers receive the highest level of service. LYMA has primarily focused on English-speaking territories, but its growth strategy will see it explore expansion in non-English-speaking countries. This next phase of growth will see LYMA rely on third-party regional distribution where expertise is needed to understand nuances and needs of the consumer.
Exporting and fostering connections with international partners is at the heart of the LYMA business and receiving the King’s Award has cemented our commitment to this.
What advice would you give to other businesses exporting?
When starting to export it is vital to ensure your distribution partnerships are solid and reliable. When you are a new brand, and a customer has trusted you enough to place an order it is vital you deliver on that promise and ensure they receive their product swiftly and in excellent condition. When you’re a wellness brand it is even more important to deliver on this promise.
Find out more about LYMA Life here.
Find out more about The King's Awards here.
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Which international markets do you already export to?
Coolicon Lighting offers an authentic, specialised collection of products and as such targets high-end lighting, furniture, and lifestyle showrooms in the EU and further afield. This market is not dominated by large corporations per se, but rather populated with numerous premium retailers, interior design practices and architects specialising in commercial projects. This market allows us to compete on added value, originality, and heritage through a knowledgeable dealer network.
Coolicon Lighting have now expanded their distributor reach to nine geographical territories, with stock holdings that conform to local legislation in Europe, Asia and the USA.
Could you tell us about your export story? When did you begin to export?
Europe was our first focus as an export market, and a big step for the small British brand. Now, we look to the future having gained buzz and traction within this territory, expanding sales by broadly splitting the global market into three segments; namely USA/North America, EU and Asia. This turns the page on an exciting new chapter for the brand as historically, Coolicon products were only seen throughout the UK.
Europe has a well-established premium lighting industry, with many countries not only producing a significant number of premium historical brands but, in doing so, dominating their domestic retail and professional markets. Key European markets such as Scandinavia are dominated by a regional aesthetic which is designed specifically to pair seamlessly with local interior design styles. This acts as a further informal barrier to entry for imported products such as Coolicon lampshades. The same can be said of countries such as Italy, Germany and the Netherlands in particular.
It is in this difficult environment that Coolicon Lighting, with a small portfolio and resources, has managed to carve out a niche with forward thinking distributors, retailers and professionals who see value in our ethics, quality and history. Building on our British heritage and skills, we lead the way by telling a new story in these saturated markets. 90 years of heritage is one thing that new brands simply cannot compete with, and we’re now thinking of the next 90 years!
What is the value of your exports and how has this grown your business?
Since re-establishing the brand in 2015, international sales were a primary focus. The Coolicon brand has been in the UK for 90 years and is synonymous with industrial pendant task lighting, with many of the original shades still in use today. This makes the UK stable market with a rich history but poses challenges for growth with the core product offering. We feel the key to sustainable growth is export. As turnover increases year on year it is clear to us that export sales are driving this. Export sales now account for around 75% of annual turnover.
Is there a surprising fact about your exports?
Until this year, the Coolicon lamps had never been exported to North America. After several months working on establishing a new distributor network and overcoming completely new legislative bodies, redesigning products for US compliance, the Coolicon lampshades are now well established across the water, with more than 200 of them hanging proudly in US interiors. It took 90 years for Coolicon products to reach North America, but they are definitely here to stay!
What do exports mean for your business?
We are proactive with all channels and actively look for key distribution partners, retail brands or projects who are as enthusiastic about the brand as we are. We believe collaboration across the globe is hugely fruitful for brand growth and providing added value to our customers.
These routes to market create a stable production volume for our UK supply chain. Despite our tiered sales, discounts on manufacturing costs based on sales tier are not offered. Instead, we work to stable pricing for both parties, focusing on high-skill and high-quality products. This secures associated skills within the UK, job satisfaction and pride in one’s work. We are true believers that pride should not be undervalued in the craft sector.
What advice would you give to other businesses exporting?
Just do it! International orders are now a major part of our business and is a decision we do not regret taking. But be prepared for A LOT of paperwork and customs declarations. Look for resources online and offline, it does get easier over time.
Find out more about Colicon Lighting: https://www.cooliconlighting.com/
Find out more about The King's Awards for Enterprise: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
]]>This award is considered to be the highest commercial accolade possible for a UK business, having been endorsed by His Majesty The King Charles III, further to a recommendation from The Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak.
Thomas Kneale manufactures, imports and distributes B2B bed and bathroom textiles and fire retardant fabrics.
Director Brett Mendell said:
“As a member of the SME Climate Hub, which is aligned to the UN’s Race to Zero, I saw a feature on the awards within a member’s newsletter. Thinking about the work we had been doing over many years in Sustainable Development, and the various awards we had won, I wanted to make a submission to show how far we have come in these important areas of our business.”
Managing Director, Richard J. Manville said
“When we studied the application, we felt we had a strong story to tell across the environmental, social and ethical areas of our business. Over the years we have, step by step, made significant progress creating positive changes and impacts both internally and externally. We are not deterred by being an SME and believe we can positively contribute to sustainable changes and practices. We therefore engage at every level with each stakeholder in our supply chain and distribution channels to work strategically, collaboratively and purposefully on our collective journey. I believe these engagements and actions were positively viewed by the judging panel.”
It has been almost six months since the award was announced and the company have already seen significant benefit from being successful.
Brett said
“Our customer base has been so pleased that we have been recognised, it is essentially a marker which provides them with added assurance that they have selected the right supplier to work with. We have also seen an upsurge in enquiries as our stakeholders want to be associated with winners of the award. As we hold the award for 5 years, we hope to see these enquiries help us grow further.
This award has resulted in new opportunities- in June alone, we were involved in a panel at the Northern Sustainability Summit at Manchester Central Convention Centre, a seminar at Manchester Metropolitan University, and a Business Leaders Roundtable allowing us to network, learn and share best practice.”
When asked for any tips for aspiring businesses thinking of applying for future years, Brett said:
“I would suggest two things. Firstly, make things happen, and continue to generate actions, it will really be effective. Secondly, have a look carefully at what the application is asking in terms of evidence. It will allow you to determine if you feel you are ready to complete an application now or need to take further action first to improve the quality of the submission.”
In addition to a reception, hosted by His Majesty The King Charles III, for all winners, at the end of June, the award will be presented to the whole team at Thomas Kneale & Co Ltd by His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant later in the year.
See https://www.thomaskneale.co.uk/ for further information.
Thomas Kneale have also recently featured in a BBC interview to help spread the message about the importance of the Living Wage Foundation and fair pay. Read more here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-67194691
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It is one of the UK’s biggest independent research centres, with more than 500 scientists and support staff, combining interdisciplinary strengths agriculture, food security, ecosystems and resilient communities. This year, the Institute was recognised with The King's Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development.
These are strengths that are increasingly at the forefront of government and policy makers’ minds.
They need answers to issues such as food, energy and environmental security.
Underpinning these global challenges and the Hutton’s research is a drive for sustainability. This is why the institute felt it was time to be more proactive in sharing its work.
“We felt we had a story to tell,” says Colin Campbell, the institute’s Chief Executive. “The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development was a great way to achieve this because the King’s Awards are so well perceived, and you get such great profile and awareness raising.
“The award recognises the wide range of activities that we undertake, all of which is aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. So it was especially appropriate for us to apply for the award for Sustainable Development.”
Stefan Jindra, the Hutton’s Sustainability Officer, adds, “As well as the research we do, we have been reporting and reducing our emissions since 2013, through alternative and energy saving measures, from solar power to biomass, and we have met and even exceeded our short-term targets.
“We are also leading by example through projects such as our Climate-Positive Farming Initiative, which seeks to achieve negative emissions through transforming farm activities, while our Just Transition Hub project in Aberdeen will help to build capacity and share expertise in the wider region.
“That’s why for us it was great that the award also recognises how we’re addressing our own sustainability as a major research establishment, which is perhaps unusual for the King’s Awards, which are traditionally awarded to businesses.”
The institute receives a significant amount of its funding from the UK and Scottish Governments. For example, its International Barley Hub and Advanced Plant Growth Centres at its Invergowrie campus, near Dundee, are being supported through £45 million funding from the UK Government and £17 million from the Scottish Government, as part of the Tay Cities Region Deal. Both projects underpin its commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable food production for the future.
Its HydroGlen green hydrogen powered farm community project and the Just Transition Hub at its Aberdeen campus last year also received £13 million from the Scottish Government Just Transition Fund. Both target sustainability in energy and land use, building expertise and capacity in the region.
“The application process for the award was straight forward,” explains Stefan. “Through the work we have already doing to develop our updated Climate Action Plan, which commits us to net zero scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2035 and net zero scope 3 emissions by 2040, in line with the Science Based Target initiative, we already had a lot of the information and evidence we needed to put forward our case.
“The result has been really positive. The wider recognition we are now seeing for not only the science we do but what we are doing as an organisation to be sustainable is tangible.
“For anyone thinking about applying for the King’s Award for Sustainable Development, I’d say go for it. You do need to have the information to support your application, but if you’re serious about sustainability, which we are, you will already have it. So go for it.”
Find out more about The James Hutton Institute on their website: https://www.hutton.ac.uk/
Apply for this year's King's Awards round here: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
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The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the highest accolade UK businesses, being approved by His Majesty The King himself.
Managing Director Ashley Smith said: “I became aware of the awards through dealings with other companies which had received an award in the past and decided to apply in order for the company to receive some recognition for its achievements over the past years and hopefully provide a springboard to push the business to the next level.”
GaraDry®, which designs, manufacturers, and sells a range of innovative threshold seals for garage doors and commercial doors, designed to prevent rainwater and other debris from being blown under a garage door during inclement weather.
Ashley, who has a degree in Industrial Design, had the idea to create his own range of thresholds due to the lack of options for solving the problem that were available to buy at the time. The products added much-needed safety features, such as high visibility yellow lines, which prevent trip hazards and are made from environmentally friendly materials.
This year marks the first ever King’s Awards for Enterprise, with His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II, by recognising outstanding UK businesses. GaraDry® was selected for the award for achieving three consecutive years of outstanding growth in overseas markets, which totalled over 90%. Overseas sales now account for 33% of its UK business. It now exports its range of products to more than 40 countries including most European markets and as far away as Australia.
Ashley, 43, continued by adding: “I’m delighted and humbled for our company to receive this accolade. It means the world to our team and receiving this acknowledgement from The King only encourages us even further to grow our business and continue designing innovative products manufactured in Great Britain. We’re a small business and hopefully this award will help to raise awareness of us, and the products that we supply globally”.
Ashley founded the company in 2009, and the business now employs 11 people at offices and warehousing in Ormskirk, Lancashire. In 2017 the company opened a subsidiary in the United States (GaraDry LLC), to handle strong interest from Americans in the products and launched a fulfilment centre in Tennessee to ship transatlantic orders quickly. In 2022 GaraDry® set up a warehouse in Germany to better cater to the European market.
The company now hopes to expand with a new, innovative product range which it hopes to launch later in the year.
When asked for any tips for aspiring business owners thinking of applying for future years, Ashley said: “The past few years have been very difficult for many businesses due to myriad external world events, but hopefully we’ve shown that with good planning, drive, and determination that success can still be achieved.”
Ashley will attend a special reception along with other successful awardees, hosted by His Majesty The King, at Buckingham Palace in June. The Award itself will be presented at a special ceremony conducted His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant at a later date. See https://uk.garadry.com/ for coverage.
Has your business got what it takes to achieve a King's Awards for Enterprise?
Applications are open now and close midday 12th September.
Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
Contact our helpline if you have any questions: kingsawards@beis.gov.uk or 020 7215 6880
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