The London Oil Refining Co Ltd
Owner of leading cleaning brands Astonish and Moss & Adams, The London Oil Refining Co Ltd has been awarded the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2022 for its outstanding growth across international markets. A family company based in Bradford with a 100-strong workforce, The London Oil Refining Co Ltd manufacture and distribute more than 80 cruelty-free household cleaning and personal care products. The range includes antibacterial and hard surface sprays, specialist creams and pastes, as well as personal care items such as antibacterial handwash, luxury handwash, shower gels and bath soaks. The cleaning giant was crowned as a winner in the International Trade category due to its consistent growth among 25 exclusive global partners. Astonish has shown substantial growth
HM: International trade is so important for us, as it supports our ambitious growth plans. I’m so proud to say that we export to more than 40 countries and this continued success means we are now able to make an additional £25m investment into the company and our people. Our plans will begin with a move to a new purpose-built premises within the coming months. This facility will double our size from 52,000 sq ft to 128,000 sq ft which will help us to increase productivity with new state of the art equipment, quadrupling sales both domestically and around the globe. QA Magazine: Where do you currently trade from an international perspective? HM: We have an extensive list of global customers, selling worldwide to countries including Kenya, Malaysia, Morocco, Ireland, Canada, India, Mauritius, Germany, Ireland, Cyprus, Turkey, Costa Rica, Latvia, Thailand, Taiwan, Bulgaria, Ghana, Australia, Malta, Greece, Lithuania, Poland, Israel, Slovenia, Mongolia, Italy, Korea, Egypt and Indonesia. Most significantly, the brand has increased sales and market share in Israel, East Asia, Korea and Taiwan.
year-on-year both in the UK and overseas, with exports increasing to include markets such as Pakistan, Lithuania, Malta and India. While the results of Astonish’s international trade strategy were impressive, its eco credentials also stood out. Their success is rooted in the company’s commitment to the environment from its inception in the early 1970s. Having never tested its products on animals or incorporating animal-derived ingredients, it is the only manufacturer in the cleaning industry that is certified by Cruelty Free International and accredited by the Vegan and Vegetarian Society. To understand more, we asked Howard Moss, CEO, to reflect on this achievement, the journey and what the future holds… Queen’s Awards Magazine: This is amazing news Howard – congratulations. What does this award mean to you? Howard Moss: Thank you so much – we are thrilled to have our success in international trade recognised by a prestigious and long-standing British institution such as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Our entire team, from those on the factory floor to our international sales team, have worked tirelessly to ensure we have grown worldwide, while remaining true to our British and Yorkshire heritage, which is of the utmost importance to us. It’s so vital, particularly in a post-pandemic era, to remain connected to the wider world whilst supporting our local workforce and that sense of community.
QA Magazine: What is the importance of international exporting to the business?
HM: We are an independent, UK-based company in a highly competitive market. Most of our main rivals are multi-national brands. As a family company we are punching above our weight which is seen in our export sales figures. We continually regard exporting as a natural and viable way to continue to grow the business.
QA Magazine: Why is international trade so important to London Oil Refining Co Ltd?
Howard Moss (CEO)
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