The winners of the 2021 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of businesses following an incredibly challenging year.
This year, the South West has 19 winners being given recognition for outstanding achievement in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility). The South West was particularly recognised for its contribution to international trade with 14 of the wins in this category.
Originally known as the ‘Queen’s Awards for Industry’ the awards have been in existence since 1966. The awards are usually announced on the Queen’s birthday but were delayed this year following the death of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The focus of this year’s awards is on Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility, an especially important theme given the challenges that have been faced throughout the pandemic, with businesses playing a valuable role in their local communities.
Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng, said, “The past year has been a tough time for many businesses across the UK, which is why it is more important than ever to celebrate the achievements of our wealth creators and recognise the contributions they make to our communities.
“In the last 12 months, British businesses showed the entrepreneurial spirit that this country is renowned for, continuing to drive social mobility, find new markets to export to and produce innovative products and services.
“I congratulate this year’s winners and I wish every business that applied for an award this year every success in the future as we build back better from the pandemic.”
The Business Exchange Bath & Somerset takes a look at some of the South West winners on our patch.
Lovehoney Group, Bath – recognised for International Trade
Founded in 2002, Lovehoney is the largest online sex toy retailer in the UK and continues to grow rapidly across the world as a retailer, manufacturer and distributor.
Lovehoney has nine websites that serve customers across Europe, North America and Australasia. The brand received this year’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales during the past six years.
SelectScience, Bath – recognised for International Trade
Founded in 1998, SelectScience is an innovative digital publisher and marketing company within the science industry, providing vital information to scientists around the world through rich editorial content, virtual events and fully moderated peer-to-peer lab product reviews.
The company, which employs around 35 people locally and others around the world was recognised by the award scheme for the second time, in recognition of its outstanding performance over the past three years. Read more here.
Glenham Life Sciences, Corsham, Wiltshire – recognised for International Trade
Established in 2013, Glenham Life Sciences courses and supplies fine chemicals, biochemicals and raw materials for use in research development, production and laboratory applications. The firm exports to a number of countries and has key partnerships with South Africa and Vietnam. Read more here.
Scanning Pens, Westbury, Wiltshire – recognised for International Trade
Founded in 2003, Scanning Pens is a dedicated EdTech company supplying text-to-speech devices to people with dyslexia, as well as raising awareness of dyslexia worldwide and supporting people whose daily lives are impacted by literacy differences.
Co-Founder, Jack Churchill, said, “To be recognised by the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is the highest honour in business. We’re thrilled that our dedication to literacy and reading accessibility has been acknowledged in such a way that celebrates the commitment of everybody here at Scanning Pens.”
Sky Demon, Frome – recognised for International Trade
Divelements which trades as Sky Demon, develops flight planning and navigation software for pilots.
The firm prides itself on ‘flight-planning features that make planning flights easy, quick and fun.’
Sky Demon was awarded its International Trade award for growth. Over the last three years oversea sales have risen by 58%, with the percentage exported also increasing to 66%.
Watson Gym Equipment Ltd, Frome – recognised for International Trade
Founded in 1999 by Simon Watson, the business designs and manufactures specialist strength equipment for gyms and exports it around the world.
The firm prides itself on being British, using only British steel and manufacturing all of its products from its factories in Frome.
Watson Gym Equipment has won an International Trade award for outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales over the last three years.
Simon Watson, said, “Watson Gym Equipment are immensely proud to have been honoured with the 2021 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category of International trade.”
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year.
To see the full list of 2021 South West winners click here. Applications for Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 open on the 1st May 2021. For more information click here.
Pictured above: Glentham Life Sciences Co-Founders, Sam White and Nicholas Zieleniewski
