Queen's Awards go to Lancashire firms

Four Lancashire firms are to be honoured with Queen's Awards for excellence in business - three in recognition for their international achievements and another for work in sustainability.

Carradice of Nelson, a manufacturer of hand-crafted cycle luggage since 1929, has been recongised for increasing overseas earnings by 62% over the last three years, entering into 10 new markets.

Blackpool-based TISS, which manufactures devices to prevent fuel theft and spillage from all types of commercial vehicles, has increased exports as a percentage of total sales from 13% to 41% over three years.

What More UK, which was recently awarded the North West Export Champions Award by the UKTI, is honoured for exporting its plastic products to more than 40 countries.

In addition, Preston's Recycling Lives has won a second Sustainable Development Award for its recycling and waste management services.

The business, fronted by former Lancashire Business View cover story Steve Jackson, targets niche recycling markets, processing previously unrecyclable items, such as flat screen displays, and makes working components available for resale where possible. The four companies will now attend a Buckingham Palace reception in July and can use the Queen’s Award emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for five years.