Yorkshire Companies Recognised in 2018 Queen's Awards

More than 25 businesses from Yorkshire and the Humber are among the 2018 recipients of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise, operating in sectors including bed manufacturing, brand implementation and IT consultancy.

In total, 26 companies from the region have been recognised in 2018. The awards, in their 52nd year, are made annually by the Queen and are given for the "highest levels of excellence" demonstrated in categories including international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

The only company to win in both the international trade and innovation categories is Leeds-based luxury bed maker Harrison Spinks.

Managing director Simon Spinks said: "Since the company was established in 1840, we have always strived to innovate and go about our business in a slightly different way, whether that be creating new ways to manufacture springs or cultivating our farm so we can grow our own natural fillings.

We're delighted to be recognised by the most prestigious enterprise awards in the UK." Among the Yorkshire winners for International Trade is The Principle Group.

The Huddersfield-based company was founded in 1987 as a signage company and has since developed into a global project management company for the rebranding of international businesses which have multiple worldwide locations.

Its overseas sales have grown by more than 230 per cent and profits by more than 350 per cent over the past three years. Chief executive Victoria Woodings said: "Growing our business to be a global enterprise has been a key focus over recent years.

By harnessing the developed skill set and knowledge base that we have nurtured over the past 31 years, we now manage strategic projects around the world for some of the most recognisable global brands.

"This has allowed us to invest in people, our local communities around the world and grow talent through the business who have the opportunity to work in new markets in order to upskill teams locally."

Also winning for international trade is Halifax-based safety barrier manufacturer A-SAFE. The business' overseas sales have grown by 113 per cent over the last three years and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 76 per cent of the total.

James Smith, co-owner of A-SAFE, said: "We strongly believe that our commitment to innovation and our 'global yet local' export strategy, giving international brands access to A-SAFE products locally, is why we've achieved such strong oversees growth. It's this strategy that helps us to maintain the spirit of a local business, whilst achieving the far-reaching impact of a global presence."

Twinkl, the Sheffield-based online education publisher, also won in the international trade category.

The company has a team of more than 430 members worldwide and customers in more than 168 countries, including Christmas Islands.

Jon Seaton, chief executive at Twinkl, said: "In terms of recognition, this award is like rocket fuel. It is an internationally respected accolade and we hope this will help Twinkl break into new markets."

The other international trade winners are Brandon Medical Company, Cast Iron Radiators, Central Wire Industries UK, Green Origins & Rainforest Foods (GO Superfoods Ltd), Hot House Partnerships, Nouveau Lashes, Ossila SBD Apparel, Specialist Marine Consultants, The Group Company (UK) and Wooltex UK. Leeds-based IT consultancy BJSS has won a Queen's Award for innovation for its ' Enterprise Agile' software delivery approach.

This has supported ambitious IT transformation programmes worldwide, including the complete re-engineering of the NHS legacy Spine national healthcare infrastructure.

Glynn Robinson, managing director of BJSS, said: "This is a significant moment for us as we celebrate our 25th year of operation, and is a real testament to our commitment to leadership and excellence in technology delivery."

Transdek UK in Harworth has won in the innovation category for the development of a high-capacity, double-deck trailer. Clients include Boots, Nisa, Argos and Eddie Stobart. Chief executive and founder Mark Adams said: "Transdek is incredibly proud of our third Queen's Award win. Our new Wedge Trailer is our most innovative product to date. We think it's a real game-changer that can deliver huge cost efficiencies and sustainability benefits to our customers."

Leeds-based SmartSearch won for the development of its anti-money laundering (AML) verification platform, which is currently used by more than 3,000 businesses worldwide.

SmartSearch managing director Martin Cheek said: "SmartSearch has grown so fast over the past two years; this award really recognises that commercial achievement and is testimony to the hard work and dedication of our staff."

The other innovation winners are Ancon Building Products (Ancon Ltd), Environmental Defence Systems, Inclusion Housing, Manvers Engineering, Radio Design and Samuel Grant (Sheffield). Trio Healthcare, which has an office in Skipton, has also won in this category.

Scarborough-based Dale Power Solutions has also won in the 'promoting opportunity' category. Winners of the Queen's Awards for Enterprise are visited by a Royal representative and are presented with a commemorative trophy as a mark of their achievement.

They are also invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace in July 2018. Businesses are also able to use the Queen's Awards emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for five years.