Palace date as What More UK director collects OBE honour

Friday 11 November was a work day like no other for What More UK Director Tony Grimshaw, as he made his way to Buckingham Palace to collect his OBE award.

Tony was joined by wife Helen and two of his three daughters, Alison Townsend and Sarah Grimshaw, for the prestigious occasion as he received his OBE from HRH the Duke of Cambridge, Prince William.

Tony Grimshaw OBE was named in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June. The director of the Padiham-based plastics manufacturer What More UK was awarded an OBE for his work in international export trade and for supporting local projects.

For 65 year old Tony, who lives in Westhoughton near Bolton, it was a day to remember. He said, “I’ll never forget the immense pride I felt as we entered Buckingham Palace. It certainly was a very special day for our family.

“I keep looking at my OBE medal in disbelief – I’m just a Bolton lad who’s worked hard all his life, never expecting that something like this would happen! It’s very humbling to be recognised for my role in What More’s export success. I’m one part of a wonderful team at What More who are all committed to their work to make us the best at what we do. Without its staff, What More UK wouldn’t be the industry leader it is today and this recognition is a tribute to all their hard work too.”

Bolton-born Tony Grimshaw joined What More UK as Head of Sales at the company's inception in November 1999. He recalls securing their first export contract to Ireland shortly after in early 2000. Since then the business's export credentials have grown phenomenally and What More UK now exports to 70 countries worldwide including China, Australia and recently added Vietnam. In 2014 What More UK received the Queen's Award for Enterprise in recognition of their outstanding achievements in international trade. What More UK employs more than 250 people at its purpose-built 500,000 square feet manufacturing and distribution facility at Altham and nearby head offices at Padiham. The UK’s leading household plastics manufacturer has a portfolio of more than 700 products: plastic housewares, gardening and DIY products sold under the trusted and value-for-money Wham® brand. In 2014 the business diversified into bakeware and today produces a range of Wham® Cook non-stick and vitreous enamel bakeware at its purpose-built manufacturing facility in Altham, Lancashire. What More UK also owns the multiple award-winning PushPan® brand bakeware range.