West Midland firms recognised for export success in Queen’s Awards
SEVEN firms from across the West Midlands have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for their work boosting overseas trade.
The winners, all chosen in the International Trade category, range from a small firm in Warwickshire which supports the sale of agricultural technology products between the UK and Japan to Stoke-on-Trent pottery firm Steelite International, which exports to 130 countries around the globe.
This year’s first-time winners also include Leominster-based crisps and snacks manufacturer Tyrrells. The firm, which employs 150 people, exports to 30 countries worldwide and has achieved earnings growth of 113%. It has entered new markets in China and Russia, and its products demand a high premium in places like Moscow where a packet of its crisps can sell for £5.
Birmingham-based Armagard designs and manufactures enclosures to protect computers, printers and screens. The firm, which was established in 1994 and employs 21 people, has established eight new overseas markets in France, Poland, Ukraine, Spain, South America, Italy, Germany and the USA to record export growth of 278%.
It is joined by Hereford-based ETL Systems, which employs 57 people and manufactures Radio Frequency electronic equipment for satellite communications used by broadcasters, satellite operators and governments. Exports account for 77% of its business and it has an established presence in 30 markets, including the Vatican City.
Proto Labs, based in Telford, is a second-time winner of the award. The firm, established in 2005 and employing 154 people, makes rapid injection moulding and rapid CNC machining for functional prototypes. The company’s overseas sales have risen 243% over the last three years and it has export markets across Europe.
Spencer Feeds, based in Studley, employs just four people. Set up in 2002 the company is a one-market business which has created a technical and commercial interface between the UK and Japan for agricultural technology products. It has successfully penetrated the Japanese market and consistently met stringent Japanese legislative regulations to achieve significant growth in a very difficult market.
Despite its size – the firm employs 700 people – and global reach into 130 territories, Steelite is a first-time winner of the awards. It designs and manufactures ceramic tableware for the hospitality market. It has consistently targeted new markets and been rewarded with orders from Russia and Europe amongst others.
Kevin Oakes, chief executive of Steelite International, said: “We are absolutely thrilled with this recognition. It’s testament to our amazing teams here and abroad and I would like to thank everyone for their passion and hard work.
“It’s also testament to the skills of the Stoke-on-Trent workforce and to our commitment to keep production here.”
Droitwich-based Winsted is recognised for the second year in a row. The firm, which employs 11 people – two more than last year, designs, manufactures sells and installs specialist control room furniture such as consoles, monitor walls, workstations and digital desks. Overseas sales have increased to 74% of its total sales and by 60% over the last three years. The company exports across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, while new markets established over the last three years include Russia and Eastern Europe.
Business and Energy Minister, Michael Fallon said: “The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are one of the most internationally-recognised and sought after awards that a UK business can achieve. They give companies prestige, an edge overseas and a well deserved boost.
“The Queens Awards highlight our strong entrepreneurial streak and the excellent businesses we have up and down the country who are growing, creating jobs, making a valuable contribution to the economy and helping us to compete in the global race. I applaud each and every one of the winners.”
