Accolade as firms show spirit of enterprise

Awards are presented for outstanding achievement in three categories, innovation, international trade and sustainable development.

A total of nine firms have been recognised in the international trade category, while two others have scooped prizes for sustainable development.

South Yorkshire-based Nanoflam, part of the KL Technologies group, was recognised for international trade after increasing overseas earnings by 350 per cent in three years. The firm is one of the leading suppliers of bespoke coatings to the textile industry, supplying more than 20 countries worldwide.

Managing director Andrew Littlewood said: “This award is recognition that the business is doing extremely well, maturing, growing and developing.”

He added that the prestige of the Queen’s Awards will help them crystallise their brand at home and abroad.

He said: “The Queen’s Award is a highly recognisable stamp of quality and will help to crystallise our brand to new and existing customers worldwide.”

The sentiment was echoed by Debbie Harrison, joint managing director at Pricecheck, who said: “Winning the Queen’s Award will enhance our reputation worldwide and will help us to achieve our ambitious growth plans.”

A second generation family owned business, Pricecheck, is a supplier of international branded consumer goods, working predominately in the health and beauty sector, dealing with discounted clearance stock.

The Sheffield-based business was one of nine firms from the region to get an international trade award, as it saw export earnings growth of 283 per cent over six years.

As well as adding prestige to a business, the awards also have the benefit of giving businesses confidence.

Peter Wilkinson, director at tube bending machinery manufacturer Unison, another one of this year’s award winners, said: “The Queen’s Award fills us with confidence for the future.

“Export volumes have grown by around 100 per cent in both of the last two years. We aim to continue that trend, and are currently investing in operations in North America – our foremost export market.”

The awards were previously known as the Queen’s Awards to Industry and were first handed out in 1966. They are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, given only to companies or individuals who are outstanding in their field.

This year there is a total of 141 business winners, 105 for international trade, 24 for innovation and 12 for sustainable development.

Mirfield-based Camira Group, which designs and manufactures environmentally sustainable fabrics, was one of two Yorkshire businesses to be recognised in the sustainable development category. Camira’s products were found to have been manufactured with high levels of environmental transparency, both in the group and across its supply chain.

The firm, which has over 370 employees, obtains its cotton directly from mills in Pakistan to ensure proper social practices of suppliers.

Company Shop in Barnsley was also given a sustainable development award. The business helps stop food from going to waste by diverting supply-chain surpluses for discount sales to members of the community on low income or income support.

Interiors business Hartley & Tissier reaffirmed its commitment to its suppliers in Yorkshire, after it too was named a winner in the international trade category.

Managing director Andrew Suddard Hartley said: “We look forward to continuing the relationship with our Yorkshire suppliers and increasing the business.”

FULL LIST OF WINNERS FROM YORKSHIRE

Ancon Building Products – manufactures high integrity engineered steel components for the construction industry.

Detectamet – producers of metal detectable and x-ray visible plastic products.

MooD International Software – provides business performance management solutions for people-intensive operations

Nanoflam – produces chemical compounds used to coat fabrics.

President Engineering Group – design and manufacture products and solutions for the global energy markets.

Pricecheck – distributor of international branded fast moving consumer goods (FMCG).

Primeast – design and deliver tailored training and consulting in the field of leadership, change and teamwork.

Radio Design – manufacture RF filter systems and provide telecommunications hardware repair services.

Unison – tube bending machinery manufacturer.

Camira Group – designs and manufactures environmentally sustainable fabrics.

Company Shop – delivers environmental and social benefits through diverting food supply chain surpluses.