Royal recognition for globally-successful manufacturers

Three Lancashire businesses have earned the King's Award for Enterprise in recognition of their international success.

Burnley-based AMS Neve (pictured) specialises in crafting sound recording equipment for film, music and television.

The globally renowned business, which employs 93, was founded by Mark Crabtree who has previously been awarded an OBE for services to advanced manufacturing and the creative industries.

The company has earned two scientific and technical Oscars for advancing the art and science of sound production, and has also earned a Grammy and an Emmy.

The King's Award for International Trade for Outstanding Growth in Overseas Sales reflects the company’s world domination in its field. In the past three years alone, overseas revenue, total turnover and net profits at AMS Neve have doubled. The United States accounts for 55 per cent of overseas sales, with Europe, Asia and Australia making up the rest.

Mark Crabtree said: “To receive the King’s Award for Enterprise is a great honour for the company and our dedicated, world class, integrated team who continue to innovate and break new ground with cutting edge digital and analogue sound recording equipment.

“We are a proud British company with a long pedigree of manufacturing the very best quality engineered products that we export around the world.

“All our products are designed and manufactured in the UK at our factory in Burnley, against a trend for off-shoring, requiring significant investment in advanced machinery in order to compete. To receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of our work is really important for the company and extremely encouraging to us all."

Simonstone-based Fort Vale has won the award for the fifth time. Employing over 360 people, it is the world leading designer and manufacturer of equipment for the safe transport of bulk liquids, powders and gases.

Graham Blanchard, Fort Vales’ global sales and marketing director, said: “Fort Vale is extremely proud to be recognised with our first King’s Award. As a family company based in the UK, with roots firmly in Lancashire, it is fantastic for us to see our products being sold and used all over the world.

"Hard work, dedication and innovation – coupling those core values with our industry-leading safety, precision and quality has helped us to succeed for over 50 years. The King’s Award is great recognition for all our hard working and dedicated employees."

The third award has been granted to Barnoldswick-based Raptor Titanium, founded in 2001, which manufactures titanium footpegs designed for offroad motorbikes. 

The company's highly sought-after products are used by the world's best racing teams and their world champion riders. 

The awards will be presented at a special ceremony to be held at Windsor Castle on July 9th.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.