Portmeirion secure Royal approval and PM visit
Portmeirion Group is delighted to announce that it has been awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade.
The prestigious award, known to be the highest award available for British businesses, has been given in recognition of the company's substantial growth in overseas earnings and its outstanding achievement in international trade over the last three years.
To be awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade, a company must show a substantial and sustained increase in export earnings over three consecutive 12-month periods, to a level which is outstanding for the products and services concerned, and for the size of the organisation.
Awards are made on the advice of the Prime Minister after examination of applications by an Advisory Committee composed of leading individuals from industry, commerce, trade unions and government.
Portmeirion Group have increased their exports sales by 63 per cent in the past three years, resulting in an increase of £14million turnover. All key markets have seen significant growth in recent years, with new and emerging markets including the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Despite the award being given for International Trade, it also recognises the Groups growth of manufacturing in the UK.
Tableware International spoke to Sales and Marketing Director Michael Haynes shortly after the announcement was made. He said: "The award reflects the hard work of the staff here at the company and reflects our commitment to both the local industry in Stoke and worldwide. It adds great prestige to our brand, and will give us more leverage with international markets.
"Celebrating the 'Made in England' resonates with the UK buyers and also international markets. We are proud to be producing in the UK and also to have the ability to move into new markets and introduce Portmeirion products across the world."
Quick to follow the timely announcement of the award was a visit to the site by the UK Prime Minster David Cameron, who dropped in for a factory tour during a recent tour of the Midlands and surrounding regions.
On Thursday 28th April Lawrence Bryan, CEO of Portmeirion Group and Dick Steele, Non-Executive Chairman greeted the Prime Minister on site. During his stay he toured the factory and showroom and was also shown many pottery designs, including the Royal Wedding commemorative china, a timely showing ahead for the nuptials in London the following day.
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