The winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2018 have been announced – but who’s taken the accolades? Business Advice unpicks the top three firms of this year.
Each year Her Majesty the Queen selects a handful of businesses to receive the award on her birthday, April 21. The awards are based on the advice of the prime minister and an advisory committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce and trade unions.
Here are some of the most impressive winners from the class of 2018.
Queen’s Award for International trade
Winner: Laser Wire Solutions
Founder: Paul Taylor
About: Treforest-based Laser Wire Solutions designs and builds laser powered equipment that strips the insulation from wires and cables, regardless of size or complexity. Just three years ago a two-man operation in a South Wales garage, the business is now targeting £10m turnover.
Paul Taylor, CEO and founder of Laser Wire Solutions, said: “Receiving the Queens Award for International Trade is a fantastic recognition of the hard work and innovation that our team has put into this business.
“The last two years have been pivotal in terms of sales and growth and we hope to continue the year on year growth we have experienced. It still seems amazing that only three years ago the business was a two-man band being run from a garage under a railway line in Merthyr Tydfil.”
Queen’s Award for Innovation
Winner: Green Sheep Group
Founders: Mark Nicholls and Paul Maurice, 2006
About: The company owns two nursery brands, Little Green Sheep and Snüz, both of which have achieved national and international recognition. The brands use natural and organic materials to create sleeping products for babies and toddlers.
Roger Allen, CEO, said: “The whole company was absolutely delighted to receive the news. It is testimony to the hard work and upbeat culture in every department that we have received such an incredible honour.
“This award will support our national business and make a significant contribution to our fast-developing international expansion.”
Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Winner: Lintbells
Founders: John Howie and John Davies, 2006
About: Premium natural pet supplements Lintbells picked up this year’s award for Enterprise. Rapid growth by the business has seen turnover increase by 290 per cent between 2014 and 2016, while international trade has increased by 106 per cent within the last 12 months.
John Howie, CEO and co-founder of Lintbells, said: “We’re delighted that our international growth has been recognised by such a prestigious award as this. It’s always been our vision that Lintbells would grow in order to help better the lives of animals across the globe.
“At the centre of our innovative products is a scientific focus ensuring the effectiveness of all our supplement ranges, which is why our products are so successful at supporting animals achieve a better quality of life.”
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