Queen's Awards for pair of Lancashire exporters

Two Lancashire businesses which have enjoyed sustained international success have been recognised with the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Kirkham-based Natures Aid has a product portfolio of more than 200 food supplements and around 30 per cent of what is manufactured in its 43,000 sq ft manufacturing facility (pictured) is exported into more than 50 countries.

In addition to the 3,000 independent health retail customers in the UK, Natures Aid sells to international pharmacies and independent retailers throughout Europe, Asia and the Middle East. Mongolia and Vietnam represent 14 per cent of total export sales.

Chris Morrey, managing director of Natures Aid said: "This award will further elevate the strong position we have in our international markets and help us remain on track to achieve 50 per cent of sales from export by 2023 whilst navigating the challenges of the pandemic.”

Process Instruments (UK) Ltd of Burnley is one of just five companies to receive two Queen's Awards this year, earning recognition for both International Trade and Innovation.

Pi designs, develops, manufactures, sells, and services water quality analysers which are exported worldwide to more than 60 countries. It operates an office in China and subsidiaries in Ireland and France and has increased overseas sales by 177 per cent over the last six years.

Mike Riding, company founder, said: "The Queen’s Award is recognised globally and is a more stringent business award than any other, as it evaluates performance over multiple years.

"Being awarded two Queen’s Awards in the same year is particularly thrilling as it is a recognition of how a small technology company in Burnley can compete successfully on a world stage."

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