How will you use your Award to promote your business going forward? As we make finished products, all packaging and instructions now carry the Award crest, as do our online documents, website and monthly email newsletters. We have been, and continue to be, investing in marketing activities in the UK and other export markets highlighting the Award.
Would you consider applying again in future?
The sales success of our new Gas Stent® product over the last two years is making us consider applying for the Innovation category again this year. What do you consider to be the benefits of being a King’s Award holder?
Did you learn anything about your company during this process? That having a committed and supportive wife as a Director has been a key factor for the company over the 30 years since we established it. The loss of two weeks’ holiday did stretch this support! It also highlighted that we need a more comprehensive product costing system.
Describe any challenges you overcame in the process The two applications took up 12 full days, and connectivity problems at our Highland location led to drafting initially being handwritten. The International Trade application covering five years was only shortlisted after agreeing that it be limited to three years as we had a dip in export sales during the full year impacted by Covid restrictions, with some of our export countries restricting access. The application failed at the end of the process as not showing a high enough growth of sales over the restricted three years. Now you’ve won an Award, what advice would you give to others thinking of applying? We would have no hesitation in recommending this if you believe your application is strong enough to be considered. Also, don’t follow our late start into the process! Be structured, pre-plan and share among the team. It is a big undertaking so give adequate time for a collective contribution approach over a number of weeks and well in advance of the deadline date.
Particularly for SME’s, it is the recognition and enhanced profile it gives to your activities.
Over the past 12 months it has had a direct impact on our company being shortlisted to the final eight of the British Business Awards 2025 for Innovation. And most recently, in May, our new Gas Stent® system was awarded ‘Best New Product of the Year’ at the UK Gas Industry Awards 2025 in London.
Did you engage other team members?
Our son and daughter (both Directors) gave some support, but their commitments at the business meant this was limited.
Oliver Machan (SGN) & Bill Menzies (Sarco) receive awards form Presidents Stephanie Allchurch (EUA) and Nicola Evans (IGEM) & Simon Virley (KPMG).
Advice from the King’s Awards Office is also important.
New Wizard Flow Stopping & Bypass Water System Launched at OzWater Show in Melbourne
King’s Awards Magazine 2025
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