The 2022 winners of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise have been unveiled, with 24 selected in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
Accolades are spread across innovation, international trade and sustainable development categories, with recognition regarded as the most prestigious attainable.
A total of 232 businesses have been awarded on the Queen’s 96th birthday.
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Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “This country is renowned for its entrepreneurial achievements and there is no greater showcase for it than The Queen’s Awards. It’s vital we celebrate the success of our businesses and recognise the contributions they make to communities across the country.
“I congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and commitment over the last year and I wish them every success for the future.”
Here we find out more about the Yorkshire and Humber winners.
The Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation
The Body Doctor Ltd, Denby Dale
Eyelid hygiene products caught the judges eyes, with compresses used to treat some of the most common eye diseases and complaints.
Having received an award in 2016 for a range of microwavable medical devices to aid various parts of the body, this latest accolade is for Sterileyes, a product that incorporates an antibacterial fabric into the design. The material has been proven effective at killing bacteria and stopping the reinfection and cross-contamination. A team of 20 work for the 10-year-old firm.
Brandon Medical Co Ltd, Morley
A previous winner in both international trade and innovation, a Queen’s Award hattrick has been secured by the acute care equipment manufacturer.
Its smart operating theatre control system, known as iTCP, allows direct connection to the hospital’s management systems like air handling, power, and medical gas. It also provides the opportunity to dynamically alter the environment based on what is happening during the operation, while also providing black box functionality from all the data.
It is also seen as a platform for future innovation by the 69-strong team as the business enters its 30th year.
Cares Laboratory Ltd, Barnsley
The six year old business has developed and patented laundry product Vamoosh Pet Hair Dissolver to solve a common problem faced by pet owners
It ensures hair-free pet bedding and prevents build-up in washing machines, protecting the performance and longevity of the machine.
Almost 18 months of laboratory development was committed to by the five-strong team, due to the strength of keratin in pet hair. The active oxygen formulation they developed does not contain any ingredients that leave harmful residues for the pet or the environment.
Essential Healthcare Solutions (UK) Ltd, Birstall
A specialist in producing pressure relief surfaces, the 19-year-old company designed a passive mattress combining high thermal conductivity and internal convection, to give improved heat transfer in the treatment for pressure-related ulcers.
The Trezzo HS mattress, launched in 2017, and includes 60 per cent high density graphene enriched foam. It also incorporates a tri-zonal castellated surface, enhancing comfort. Research across two hospitals has demonstrated 80 per cent cost savings due to reduced time required for patients.
Magma Ceramics and Catalysts, Dewsbury
The award hones in on textured nickel-based catalyst used in the production of hydrogen, ammonia, and methane by the 224-strong team.
The patented manufacturing process at the 13-year-old firm is described as unique, with the end product offering greater surface area, strength, catalytic activity, porosity and heat transfer and thus greater efficiency in the conversion process. The resultant catalysts increase yields by 10 per cent, reduce input temperatures by 50 per cent, and are longer lasting, requiring less frequent replacement.
Tickhill Engineering Co Ltd, Armthorpe
A second award in just over a decade, the 58-year-old company had followed up its 2010 win, improving on its box tipping system for fresh vegetables in the food industry.
The Haith Up-Eject Tipping System is an evolution, with reliability, tipping volume, and gentle handling becoming more critical as pressure is put on packers to reduce cost.
Described as easy to operate and service, it can replace two old machines on high volume lines.
The Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade
A-Safe HQ Ltd, Elland
Manufacturer of the world’s first industrial-strength polymer safety barrier system, it has won Queen’s Awards for International Trade in 2014 and 2018.
The company now boasts 17 wholly owned subsidiaries in 16 countries, and an additional 35 ‘trusted partner’ distributors around the world, with key markets in America and Europe.
Overseas sales have grown by 102 per cent over the three-year application period, accounting for 89 per cent of total sales.
Cooper Turner Beck, Sheffield
The five-year-old firm is now a leading global manufacturer and distributor of safety critical fastening systems and the number one global supplier of these highly engineered systems to the wind power industry.
It provides a one-stop shop solution for critical applications within their target industry sectors.
Overseas sales have grown by 131 per cent over the past three years and exports now account for 87 per cent of trade for the near 400-employee team, with top markets including USA, France, China, Denmark, and Germany.
Corrosion Resistant Materials, Swinton
Outstanding short term growth has been recognised at the family-run, specialist technical materials supplier.
It opened its doors in 2015 and stocks a wide range of materials and to date it has supplied over 65 different grades.
The company has returned very strong year-on-year growth in exports, with an overall growth of 1097 per cent in the three years to 2020. Main markets are Holland, UAE, Czech Republic, Germany, France and Spain. It has exported to 31 different countries over the previous three years.
ICD Europe Ltd, Sheffield
Directly supplying a wide range of specialised metals and alloys to a wide variety of industrial sectors, in the three years to December 2019, its sales grew by 227 per cent and now make up 43 per cent of all transactions. Its top five markets are Australia, Austria, France, Germany, and Japan.
The company, only launched in 2016, is targeting China, Korea and India as new export markets for its products. A team of 20 is employed.
Jack Brodie Ltd, Yeadon
The premium quality knitwear designer boasts internationally-recognised customers including Harrods, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales, Saks, Bandier, Gilt and Anthropologie.
However, the majority of its 1,200 outlets are independent speciality stores, most of which are based in the USA.
Over six years to the end of 2020, exports have grown by 3,057 per cent and now make up 70 per cent of all sales, with USA, Belgium, Germany, Italy and France leading the way.
Loadhog Ltd, Sheffield
The employee-owned business designs and manufactures returnable packaging solutions, with subsidiaries now established in France and USA.
It follows up similar success in 2020, with the company demonstrating exceptional agility in response to the challenges presented by Covid.
Overseas sales have grown by 233 per cent over the three-year application period and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 82 per cent.
The London Oil Refining Co Ltd, Bradford
Cleaning brand Astonish is the flagship product range, dating back to 1971.
Overseas sales grew substantially over the period, with staff numbers up from 72 to 105 as it exports to more than 40 countries, with emerging markets a particular strength.
Its anti-bacterial and hard surface sprays, specialist creams and pastes, alongside personal care items such as anti-bacterial handwash, luxury handwash, shower gels and bath foams., are most popular in Israel, Korea, Taiwan, Pakistan and Ireland.
Quality Bearings Online Ltd, Leeds
Founded in 2012 with the aim of revolutionising the bearing market, it has developed an International e-commerce distribution company to support precision products with technologically advanced lubricants and auxiliary engineering products.
Over three years to March 2020, overseas sales were up by 147 per cent, and now represent 93 per cent of all sales for the 15-strong team.
USA leads the way with 85 per cent of export share, with Canada, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and the UAE following.
Denny Maude, chief executive, said: “We are greatly honoured and proud to be recognised by the Queen’s Enterprise for International Trade. Amongst all the cherished awards we have won over the years for exporting, vusiness, and e-commerce growth, winning the Queen’s Award has undoubtably been the most rewarding, one we could not imagine achieving.
"We started our exporting journey in 2015 when we attended the Passport to Export programme delivered by the Department of International Trade. Along with The Leeds City Region Enterprise and Partnership, who provided us with business support and funding to help digitalise our business, these two organisations initiated our growth, which allowed us to achieve what we are today.
"Undoubtably exporting transformed our business.”
Regal Food Products Group Plc, Bradford
Baked goods, confectionery and drinks have been produced since it started trading in 2009, with 380 products now in the range, exported to more than 40 countries.
The main markets are USA, Canada and Europe, with growth anticipated in the Middle East. Regal was named as a Top 50 British Food & Drink Companies to Beat the Pandemic, with overseas sales growing 77 per cent over the three-year application period, to make up 13 per cent of total sales achieved.
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. 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."
Salt Agency, Horsforth
The international digital marketing agency boasts technical expertise in search engine optimisation. Clients are mainly leading tech companies in Silicon Valley but it also serves sectors such as kitchen equipment, catering and hospitality.
Overseas sales have grown by 105 per cent over three years and now accounts for 60 per cent of the work done by the 24-strong team. The bulk of the company's business is in the USA and it has set up an office in Boston It also has a range of clients in France, Germany, Switzerland, Australia and Japan.
Co-founder, Reza Moaiandin, said: "We are so proud of the hard work and achievements our team has pushed in a competitive industry and during challenging times like Covid-19. During this time, we have strived to grow but are mindful of supporting our team during times of personal crisis. I believe our strategic, high quality and conscious mindset has allowed us to be fortunate to receive this special award."
Semperfli Fly Tying Materials Ltd, Selby
Bringing craft to fly fishing, threads, wires, yarns and other textiles and fibres are produced, while it has also developed the virtually unbreakable Nano Silk.
Outside of the sport, customers include NASA, film, theatre and the medical world.
It is trade only, through distributors and shops, with 80 international ambassadors. Overseas sales grew by 240 per cent in the three-year period with key markets including the USA, Canada, Norway, Russia and France.
Special Quality Alloys Ltd, Sheffield
A family owned business manufacturing bespoke forged products, global customers for
high performance nickel-based super alloys and stainless steels include original equipment manufacturers in oil and gas, power generation, automotive and emerging renewables markets.
Launched in 1986, a subsidiary, Special Quality Alloys Inc, was established in Texas in 1999. The 121-strong team exports to 29 different countries with USA, Romania and Singapore at the fore. Overseas sales have grown by 87 per cent over the three-year application period and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 44 per cent of total sales.
Managing director, Benn Beardshaw, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for the business to win this award and, one that I am very proud to receive. It is truly a recognition of the hard work of all of our employees and their commitment to quality and service. I’m sure this will be a steppingstone to future success for the business across both the domestic and international markets.”
Sport:80 Ltd, Sheffield
A cloud-based platform provides sports organisations with the means to manage the core areas of their business from a single system whilst delivering vital online services to athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, and other stakeholders.
Overseas sales have grown 363 per cent while exports now account for 68 per cent of total sales - with the USA - where a working relationship with the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee has been forged - and Ireland strong, and the Middle East being explored.
Sumo Group, Sheffield
A global provider of creative and development services to the video games and entertainment industries, it is the largest UK-led independent game developer.
More than 60 games based on partner or its own intellectual property have been released since 2003, across major gaming platforms, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo hardware. Core regions for the employer of more than 750 staff are UK, EU, US and APAC, with new markets entered since 2018 including China, France, Canada, and Sweden. Overseas sales have grown by 134 per cent across the last three years with the percentage exported rising from 62 per cent to 80 per cent.
University of Huddersfield
The School of Computing and Engineering enrols more than 19,000 students from more than 120 countries annually, with overseas students now at 45 per cent.
Top markets for the 33-year-old institution include India, China, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Nigeria.
It won a Queen’s Award in 2013 and a 510 per cent increase in postgraduate students in three years helped return it, as well as micro-assessment measures brought in during online Covid teaching.
Waterman Corporate Enterprises Ltd, Rotherham
One sale is now clocked up on Amazon every 30 seconds by the hair growth specialist, which now boasts a range of products including shampoo, conditioners, concealer, and a variety of vitamins.
A decade in from launch by Gail and Matt Waterman, and it has distributors in the USA, Dubai, Australia, Slovenia, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Thailand, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia and Croatia. Recently new territories Jordan and Egypt have been added.
Overseas sales have grown by 102 per cent over the three-year application period and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 34 per cent of total sales for the 11-strong team.
The pair said: "It is a huge honour to accept the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. The team here at Watermans are proud to be recognised in such a significant way. As a family-owned business we are delighted to be honoured with a Queen’s Award. The Queen’s Award is the most prestigious award that any UK company can achieve. The achievement is very humbling and reflects the commitment and passion we have for our brand."
The Queen's Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development
Aesseal Plc, Rotherham
The engineering company produces mechanical seals designed to prevent leakage of liquids or gases into the atmosphere, avoiding environmental damage and health and safety risks.
New talent development through outreach work by the £51 million turnover company was commended, with 467 staff employed.
The 43-year-old firm has also achieved Net Zero for scope one, two and three emissions, while demonstrating further positive steps and impacts.
Bettys & Taylors Group Ltd, Harrogate
Initiatives implemented across the tea and coffee supply chain have been recognised in the company behind Yorkshire Tea, Taylors of Harrogate and Bettys Café Tea Rooms.
Retaining the accolade from 2017, central to the approach are powerful relationships forged to address the area where the greatest footprint and impact is feldf.
The group's board, shareholders, wider 1,500-strong business and suppliers have been engaged in defining outcomes.
