Enterprising Yorkshire businesses get nod in Queen’s Awards

Businesses in Yorkshire and the Humber have been recognised for their enterprising efforts on the Queen’s 91st birthday.

Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in the Innovation category included not-for-profit life sciences software business Lhasa, also a Business Masters 2017 Award winner, and TSG Associates, specialists in triage and mass casualty equipment. Both are based in West Yorkshire.

Bettys & Taylors Group, makers of Yorkshire Tea, won in the sustainable development category.

Yorkshire won big as a region in the international trade category, with six businesses listed.

These included Bingley’s Bancroft Soft Furnishings,antimicrobial wall manufacturers BioClad in North Yorkshire (pictured above), ballistic container and armoured citadel specialists Crewshield Ltd, based in Hull, Elland’s Mobus Fabrics and Triangle Wholefoods Collective, as well as Tapestry Global Compliance, based in South Yorkshire.

Business Secretary Greg Clark said: “The Queen’s Awards for enterprise highlights everything that’s great about UK business today.

“We have some of the best entrepreneurs and innovative minds in the world who are at the heart of small start-ups providing excellent customer service to larger businesses developing global solutions. Over one million new businesses have been created since 2010, all playing a vital role in creating jobs and driving growth across the UK.

“I’m extremely proud to see such a wealth of businesses across Yorkshire & The Humber being recognised today. Through our Industrial Strategy we will be building on the successes of these award winning businesses, helping to build a stronger, more outward looking and prosperous global Britain.”

Leeds-based business Lhasa will be seeing changes at the top, with Dr Chris Barber (pictured below) the current director of Science at Lhasa, taking over from Dave Watson as CEO in June.

Speaking about the Queen’s Award and his new role Dr Barber said: “…we are naturally thrilled to have received this honour and recognition of our work for the second year running.

“From a personal perspective I am delighted to be stepping into the role of CEO of Lhasa Limited at such an exciting time for the organisation.

“I am fortunate to work alongside some truly talented people and have the opportunity to meet and collaborate with many world-leading scientists. I’m proud of the valuable work we do here and the software we bring to market – something which has been reflected with two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.”

Manufacturer Bioclad, which was launched in 2008 and employs 20 people, has marked a 2000% growth in exporting since expanding internationally in 2011.

Founder and director, Lindsay McKenzie, said: “This globally-recognised and highly respected seal of approval is a powerful endorsement of our successful strategy in harnessing the wealth of international trade opportunities while successfully delivering wide-ranging domestic commissions. An enormous ‘thank you’ to our talented and committed team for being instrumental in making this happen.

“With the global flooring market predicted to be worth $300bn by 2020, and no other company producing this type of antimicrobial surface, the world is literally our oyster as we embark on the next stage of our journey.”

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