|
 |
Case Studies |
|
|
Innovation
2007 - Air Products PLC, Packaged Gases Group
2007 - Horizon Global Electronics Ltd
2006 - Balcan Engineering
2006 - Tilsatec, a Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd
2005 - apetito
2005 - Autotype
2005 - Carton Edge Systems
2005 - FilmLight
2005 - Martek Marine
2005 - Safeglass (Europe)
2005 - ScotAsh
2005 - The Training Foundation
2004 - Bridgeclear
2004 - DX
2004 - Comtec
2004 - Monarch International
2004 - Panaz
2004 - Schottlander
2004 - The Natural Wheat Bag Company
2004 - Traka
Air Products PLC, Packaged Gases Group
Air Products PLC won the Queen’s Award for designing and introducing the Integra® cylinders and Maxx® gases used in a range of welding and cutting applications. The new ergonomically designed cylinders are smaller, lighter and safer to handle with the shielding gases reducing environmental emissions, while improving process productivity and quality. Professor John Irven, Director of Technology, says “Our people are passionate about developing products that meet our customers’ needs and the worldwide recognition we have received through winning the Queen’s Award in the Innovation category, not once, but twice, is testament to their continued dedication.
Business: Gas cylinders for supplying gases used in a range of welding and cutting applications
Location: Hampshire
Employees: 394
BACK TO TOP
Horizon Global Electronics Ltd
Horizon Global Electronics Ltd was established in 2001 as a specialist in the design and manufacture of hand held test equipment for the digital satellite and TV sectors. The company has a proven capability in developing innovative solutions for handheld meters which are used for the easy alignment of digital satellite dishes and digital antenna during installation. To date Horizon has developed meters which have been designed and manufactured in the UK and used in over 58 countries around the world. The company is now the leading player in the UK sector with strong export sales and an important presence in the North American and Asian markets. Paul Pickering, Managing Director, says “The award is a significant milestone for the business. This will give us added credibility in the international arena and will help open up new markets”.
Business: design and manufacture of hand held test equipment for the digital satellite and TV sectors
Location: Middlesex
Employees: 9
BACK TO TOP
Balcan Engineering
Balcan Engineering Limited won its Award for the development of recycling equipment for waste fluorescent lighting tubes. The new equipment enables both whole and pre-crushed lamps to have their material components – such as glass, aluminium, plastic and mercury-bearing phosphor powder – separated and retrieved for recycling purposes. Crushed lamps have an 80% lower volume than whole lamps leading to a positive impact on the environment in terms of reduced transportation vehicles and emissions.
"We are delighted to have received this prestigious Award," John Rinfret, managing director of Balcan Engineering said. "Not only does it highlight the concept and merit of our Waste Lamp Recycling Plant, but it has given our staff considerable pride in their work. Many clients have been very impressed with our achievement and have taken the opportunity to congratulate us.
"This Award has resulted in our receiving considerable extra publicity all over the UK and has ensured that potential customers have had to give serious consideration to the use of our products and services.
"We feel it's given us a strong edge over our competitors and the experience of winning has certainly encouraged us to consider applying for another one!"
Business: Safety products
Location: East Midlands
Employees: 16
BACK TO TOP
Tilsatec, a Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd
For Tilsatec, a Division of Sirdar Spinning Ltd, innovation is a way of life. The company won a Queen's Award in 2006 for the development of a new method of feeding stainless steel into yarn, and then using the reinforced yarn in the manufacture of textiles for clothing which protects workers from injuries. In many companies industrial injuries to hands and arms are the most significant causes of worker compensation payments.
The clothing gives increased protection from cuts, and is more comfortable to wear compared with competitor products. Both the yarn and the textile manufacturing process are innovative.
"Tilsatec is a relatively new business within Sirdar Spinning, so to win a Queen's Award is a great achievement that we are all really proud of," said Sales and Marketing Director Michael Armstrong.
"The Award has made our customers sit up and take notice of us and has certainly raised our profile within the sector. We now have regular contact with larger customers that we wouldn't have been able to reach without the big business credibility the Award has afforded us."
Business: Textiles
Location: Yorkshire & Humber
Employees: 15
BACK TO TOP
Autotype
Autotype has transformed itself over the last 20 years, changing from a traditional printing materials supplier into a specialist in the development of coated films. It wins the Award for the development of innovative hard coating technology which can be moulded, saving manufacturer's money by cutting down on components and therefore reducing tooling assembly costs.
"The biggest impact for us has been on the people within the company," says In Mould Decoration Business Manager Tim Wright. "We have had to change to survive. It was not just product innovation but also driving culture change, and many people found it very difficult. By winning a Queen's Award for Innovation in 1994, and another in 2005, staff see that their struggle has been recognised as exceptional by an independent panel. It really builds up team spirit and brings the company together.
"We have also been subject to an acquisition since the Award was announced, and are now owned by the American company MacDermid. This is good for the company, shows that our growth potential has been recognised, and guarantees investment in further innovation. Our ability to innovate was undoubtedly a factor in MacDermid's decision to buy us, and our two Queen's Awards for Innovation are clear evidence of our skills."
Business: coated film technology
Location: South East
Employees: 280 in UK, 385 globally
BACK TO TOP
Carton Edge Systems
Five years of continuous innovation has led to the development of a novel system for creating and applying serrated cutting edges to dispensers of kitchen foil and cling film, and earns Carton Edge Systems of Coventry its first Queen's Award.
"For a small business like ours of just two people, the credibility we gain from having a Queen's Award cannot be underestimated," says Eddie Owen, Technical Director. "It's a great leveller, with small businesses gaining the same Award as multinationals, and our clients are very impressed.
"One prospective customer in South Africa who we have been targeting for some time saw the coverage in the trade magazines and contacted us to congratulate us. That makes us even more hopeful of getting the contract.
"For new customers like this, it shows that we truly are innovative, while for existing customers it drives home the point that we are constantly improving and continuously innovative. Suppliers recognise that too, and are pleased to be associated with a company holding the Queen's Award.
"We've put the emblem on all our stationery, and on a promotional video, which all drives home the credibility message. That's what you need in business."
Business: serrated cutting edge system
Location: West Midlands
Employees: 2
BACK TO TOP
FilmLight
After just three years of trading, FilmLight receives the Queen's Award for designing and developing a digital film scanner for the motion picture industry. The scanner enables the transfer of images on celluloid film to digital images with exceptional quality & stability.
"Ours is a tough business and some UK companies have collapsed through no fault of their own because of issues in the US, particularly after 9/11 when there was a big cutback in film production and advertising. We're selling very expensive equipment, and buyers need to know we'll still be around in five years. It's a big boost to have the third-party endorsement of the Queen's Award, which shows that we as a company are reliable," says Steve Chapman, Director.
"The same is true in the UK, and not just for sales. For example, we're currently negotiating moving to larger premises in Soho, Central London, where commercial leases are very hard to come by. The Award is undoubtedly very useful in endorsing our business.
"With our suppliers too, the Award is very helpful in cementing relationships. We're a small company and put a lot of work out to other small companies. The presentation was our chance to say a big thank you to them.
"It also makes us more attractive as an employer. We've created 14 more jobs since winning the Award."
Business: digital film scanning equipment
Location: London
Employees: 30
BACK TO TOP
Martek Marine
Martek Marine is very proud to have won a double Queen's Award on the first time of entering. The Rotherham company manufactures safety and environmental monitoring systems for ships and has only been trading since 2000. It won the Innovation Award for designing a water ingress detection system, and the International Trade Award for increasing annual overseas earnings from £250,000 to £3 million in just three years.
"Since the Awards we have launched a new premium product and having the Queen's Award separated us out as a leading supplier, justifying the premium price," says Paul Luen, Managing Director.
"We were amazed at how many people contacted us following all the publicity we received, including new business partners, who saw the news articles and got in touch."
"It has also been great for staff morale, and will really improve the standard and quantity of applicants when we advertise new jobs."
Business: safety and environmental monitoring systems for ships
Location: Yorkshire and Humberside
Employees: 17
BACK TO TOP
Safeglass (Europe)
Just three people worked at Safeglass (Europe) as the company developed an innovative polymer alternative to glass. Now it has eight staff and has moved to larger premises in Glasgow.
The company won a Queen's Award for Innovation for developing a polymer that has the appearance and many of the properties of glass, but does not cause injury when broken. It is primarily used in the housings to emergency hammers on trains but has other applications in glassware and bottles.
"Our products so far have been unique in the market, but we are launching a range of glass products for the pub and club market in the autumn where we will be competing against many other companies. Having the Queen's Award will really help us to stand out and make sure we are on the shortlist. We can also use it in our publicity around the launch," says Avril McNeill, Sales & Marketing Manager.
"It's a sign of quality, and definitely helps when we don't know the customer or supplier. We've already had quite a few enquiries from overseas asking if we had agents in those countries. These leads have come through the work of the embassies in promoting Queen's Awards winners, and we're hopeful this will be very helpful as we expand our exports.
Business: polymer manufacturer
Location: Scotland
Employees: 8
BACK TO TOP
ScotAsh
Formed in 1999, ScotAsh wins the Award for the design, construction and operation of a facility to turn ash produced by coal-fired power stations into useable raw building materials. The innovation both reduces the cost of waste disposal and lowers its significant environmental impact.
"The Award has really elevated our profile," says Managing Director Peter Quinn. "We are a small joint venture between two relative giants - Scottish Power plc and Lafarge Cement UK. We are now well acknowledged by both parents, and it has made it much easier to get things done. Both are using our achievement in their PR - they like to be associated with our success.
"Regulators too, are taking more notice. It can be difficult to get them on side but the Award has opened the door for us and they are now consulting us more.
"Lastly, I think an immense benefit has been the pride felt by the workforce. There has been a buzz about the place for several months, and a lot of excitement. Every day staff and visitors see the flag as they come in, and the certificate and bowl in reception. It puts a big smile on their faces."
Business: production building materials from ash
Location: Scotland
Employees: 23
BACK TO TOP
The Training Foundation
Coventry-based The Training Foundation won the Queen's Award for Innovation for the continuous development of the Trainer Assessment Programme (TAP), a structured approach to improving training skills based on international competency standards.
"The Award highlights the importance of training and training skills, and validates our approach to training," says Operations Director Adrian Snook. "We are finding that the volume and seniority of the people we are speaking to have both increased since we won the Award. We've taken on two new business development managers to cope with the extra work.
"Many of the top 250 UK companies are now using only trainers qualified to TAP standard. They are proud to be associated with the Award, and it makes them feel that their investment in training is even more worthwhile.
"In fact, we've just announced a partnership with the Financial Services Sector Skills Council. Its Accreditation Manager has publicly stated that the decision to work with us was based on our outstanding track record, reaffirmed by the Queen's Award. That says it all really."
Business: training
Location: West Midlands
Employees: 33
BACK TO TOP
Bridgeclear
Five-person company Bridgeclear won the Award for its innovative solution to the problem of vehicles striking low bridges. The Bridgeclear product uses satellite-based global positioning system technology and a comprehensive database of low bridge hazards to warn drivers of high vehicles when approaching bridges too low for them to pass under safely.
"Ours is a unique product which cannot be promoted in the normal way, particularly by a company as small as ours. It's a brand new idea and we have to make all the headway, so it is a definite boost to be recognised by a Queen's Award," says Bramham Knight, Managing Director.
"The coverage generated by the government publicity machine in Manchester was very impressive. They borrowed a bus for the day for us to drive the press around in, and we were on the local ITV and BBC tv programmes all evening. The publicity continues even now, and we often get journalists ringing us up for a quote or a photo.
"We also feature in the Queen's Awards promotional video, so that is a great way of promoting us both in the UK and around the world - we hope to begin exporting as soon as appropriate databases are available."
Business: manufacturer low bridge warning system
Location: North West
Employees: 5
BACK TO TOP
Comtec (Europe)
Comtec is one of the few travel companies to have won the Queen's Award. The Award recognises the company's continuous development of an innovative range of software for the travel industry. The software provides travel retailers with information on holiday availability by simultaneously accessing the databases of the 40 leading tour operators.
"We are looking to move into Europe, and having a Queen's Award will undoubtedly be a factor in our expansion," says Chief Executive Simon Powell. "That external recognition of innovation is really important when you are trying to operate beyond your normal trading area.
"We have won quite a few awards in recent years, but the Queen's Award is by far the most prestigious.
"It provokes conversations that certainly wouldn't happen without the Award. Even if people don't know what it stands for, they ask, which is great for our sales team."
Business: developer software for travel industry
Location: Wales
Employees: 71 at time of winning, 125 in August 2005
BACK TO TOP
DX
The Award to DX (then Hays DX) recognises continuous innovation in its Document Exchange business mail services. The DX service delivers time and business critical mail before 9am. Based in Iver, Buckinghamshire, DX gained a postal services license from Postcomm in January 2003 which has enabled further innovation with new services that track items through the network with notification of receipt, money back guarantees and delivery to businesses before 8am.
"We have used the Award extensively in our internal communications," says Anna Parrish, Marketing Manager. "It has enabled us to promote the message of achievement across the employee base, and to recognise and reward the workforce. Two members of staff rather than executives went with the Chief Executive to a Buckingham Palace reception, and others received the Award from the Lord Lieutenant. It meant we could put staff at the heart of the Award celebrations, and the feedback is very positive.
"This was particularly important for the business at a time of great change, as DX was demerged from Hays in November 2004. It was very positive to be able to focus on our achievements.
"From an external point of view, it is essential for us in a deregulating market to be recognised as innovative, and the first to market with new solutions. It puts substantial backing behind our brand, and strengthens our marketing message."
Business: early morning, next day mail delivery
Location: South East
Employees: 1343
BACK TO TOP
Monarch International
A simple solution to a tedious DIY dilemma earned Monarch International the Queen's Award for Innovation. Berkshire-based Monarch created WetNFixTM which allows wall plugs to be fixed in oversized or irregular holes. WetNFixTM is dropped in water and then wrapped around the plug, which is then placed back in the hole, where it hardens within three minutes, holding the wall plug firmly in place.
"As a small business of just two people, probably the major advantage of winning was the tremendous confidence it gave us," says Monarch's Business Advisor Mike Dane. "In fact, it gave us the self-belief to go on and enter for other schemes such as the National Business Awards, at which we also did well.
"Another important aspect was that it helped cement relationships with our distributors, and our producer. We outsource the manufacture of our product, and there are not many able to do it to our specification, so it is paramount that we keep good relations with our supply source.
"It also helped to promote our brand to our trade customers and to the general public, with some very good local and national PR."
Business: developer diy products
Location: South East
Employees: 2
BACK TO TOP
Panaz
This is the second Queen's Award for Burnley-based Panaz - it won the Queen's Award for Export Achievement (now International Trade) in 1997. This Innovation Award is for the creation of a new upholstery fabric Panvelle for use in environments such as hospitals, hotels and restaurants.
"To have won two Awards is fantastic recognition for the company," says Founder and Managing Director, Tony Attard. "We only started in 1986 and so even a decade later could still be considered a 'young gun'. To win seven years later shows we have reached maturity - it's like a coming of age.
"We invited representatives of our key accounts to the presentation by The Duke of York. One was The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, who later placed a £250,000 order with us. I'm sure it was as a definite result of the Award.
"It also gives us an opportunity and a hook to demonstrate our other innovations. It's like a stamp of approval for our innovative products and the professional way we run our business."
Business: design, manufacture and distribution of fabric for the hospitality and healthcare Industries
Location: North West
Employees: 53
BACK TO TOP
Schottlander
Based in Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire, Schottlander wins the Award for continuously improving a range of teeth and dentures. The company has created Enigma & Natura, two ranges of teeth and denture systems that not only look more natural but also function better. This has been achieved by using advanced acrylic materials, a wider range of colours, and better mechanical design, to give an improved 'bite'. Options available now take account of the different characteristics of ethnic groups.
"The Award has given significant credibility to the products, both in the UK and overseas," says Managing Director Dr Brian Schottlander. "It is seen as almost an endorsement of the product wherever we go. It might not necessarily get us new orders, but it makes a significant contribution to the overall mix, underlining our quality.
"We received a lot of publicity at the time, and continue to do so. We still have the odd piece in the local paper, and we use it in our own publicity. For example, it formed part of a presentation we gave at a recent seminar. It all adds to the credibility.
"I would recommend any company to go for it, 100%. It is hard work but well worth it."
Business: manufacture teeth and dentures
Location: East
Employees: 55
BACK TO TOP
The Natural Wheat Bag Company
The Natural Wheat Bag Company has taken a concept and developed it into a successful range of grain-filled products for comfort, relaxation and pain relief. The products are heated in a microwave and, retaining the heat, can be used in the same way as a hot water bottle.
The Award was granted not only for product development, including several novel variants incorporating aromatherapy, but also for inspired marketing, such as mutually beneficial link-ups with charities.
"We received a lot of publicity when we won the Award, and definitely picked up orders as a result," says Owner and Sales Director Sue Grant. "One customer in particular rang up having seen the editorial and later placed a sizeable order."
"Most of our customers are department stores and retail outlets, and with two main competitors, having the Queen's Award gives us the competitive edge."
"It's also great for morale. We invited staff, customers and suppliers to the presentation. It was an opportunity to celebrate our success and thank them for their part in it."
Business: manufacturer
Location: Yorkshire and Humberside
Employees: 15
BACK TO TOP
Traka
Traka Limited receives the Award for the continuous development of its innovative electronic key management and tracking system. The system ensures that only authorised people have access to individual keys and in turn ensures the users are accountable for their use of important resources such as vehicles, buildings and machinery. It works through the attachment of iFobs to the keys and the use of special Traka cabinets, which can only be accessed by electronically identified users.
"One contact came in from Fort Lauderdale in the US, with the company saying it wanted to use our system because of our reputation, specifically mentioning our Queen's Award," says Managing Director John Kent. "I'm not sure the Award alone means more sales, but everything adds up. The more ticks in boxes you have, the more likely you are to win business.
"We were also grateful for the presentation ceremony, which allowed us the opportunity to reflect back on where we started, and to thank all the people at the grass roots, as well as our customers. Sometimes it's hard to give people a pat on the back, and a lot of our support staff in particular only hear when things don't go well. It's a great tool to build team spirit."
Business: electronic key tracking system
Location: South East
Employees: 15
BACK TO TOP
|
|
|
|
