The awards highlight outstanding achievement by UK business in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Included in this year’s winners list was manufacturer of south Asian bakery products, confectionery and drinks Regal Foods, which was recognised for its excellence and success within international trade.
The company’s success has seen overseas sales grow by 77% over the last three years and now exports to more than 40 countries and over 3,000 independent stores and major supermarket chains.
Chief executive Younis Chaudhry said: “As a Bradford business we are extremely proud and honoured to have been granted this award by Her Majesty the Queen.
Export portfolio
“With our exports portfolio now spanning over 40 countries, this acknowledgement is really the icing on the cake, it’s a gift from Regal to Regal and it doesn’t get any better than that.”
Other winners in the international trade category included cheese exporter Cheese Matters, Scottish snacks manufacturer Nairn Oatcakes, drinks firm Bladnoch Distillery and flavours producer Totally natural Solutions.
Specialty coffee roaster Origin Coffee was a recipient of a Queen’s Award in the Sustainable Development category, having demonstrated the provenance and traceability of its ethical coffee buying programme.
Tom Sobey, founder of Origin Coffee, said: “When we talk about sustainability at Origin Coffee, we talk about it in terms of each and every aspect of business operations – nothing escapes scrutiny.
“Asking how we can do things better, for people and the planet, is ingrained in our thinking and seeing the impact of our actions and inspiring other businesses to follow in our footsteps is a fantastic reward. It is a huge privilege to receive this award and is to the credit of the whole team.”
Machinery manufacturers
Producers of food and drink manufacturing and handling equipment also received a nod in this year’s winners list.
Designer and manufacturer of vegetable handling equipment Haith was awarded its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation Category – its previous win was in 2010. Haith took home an award this year for the development of its Rota-Tip box tipping system.
Managing director Duane Hill said: “Today’s recognition is excellent news for our team, a reward for their hard work, and a testimony to our customers who involve us in their businesses and trust us to develop solutions to enhance their business.
“Everyone at Haith is very proud to be recognised by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for a second time.”
Meanwhile, catch up with some of the winners of the Food Manufacture Excellence Awards in a series of exclusive interviews on out site.
