Receiving King's Award 'like the cherry on top', says founder of Worcestershire business
Four businesses from across Herefordshire and Worcestershire have been included in the total of 186 recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise announced today (6 May)
The founder of a Worcestershire business who's been given a King's Award has said it has meant a lot to her as it has been something she's wanted for a "long time".
A total of 186 recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise - which aim to celebrate businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and highlight the key part they play in both economic growth and improving lives - have been officially revealed today (6 May).
This year marks 60 years since it was first handed out back in 1966, with four from Herefordshire and Worcestershire included on the list this time around.
Emma Heathcote-James set-up the Little Soap Company back in 2008 in the village of Bretforton, which create handmade natural and organic soap bars, and has been recognised in the sustainability category of the awards.
"I think it's something I've wanted for a long time and it's taken us a long time to achieve this so it is like the cherry on the top for us," she said.
"This award's for the team, we've got such a solid, strong team, who are so passionate about our aim and what we're trying to do and that's eradicating unnecessary plastics from bathrooms.
"It's about true sustainability, I've always believed the business of a business is to help improve the world and make the world a better place.
"That's what we've been trying to do from day one, and to have that royal seal of approval agreeing with that is massive for us."
In total, 76 businesses have been recognised for international trade, 52 for innovation, 36 for sustainability and 22 for promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Worcester-based the Key Safe Company, which was created in 1996 and designed a place where people could store keys to a house or building in a secure box protected by a code, has picked up an award in the innovation section.
Founder David Ogden said: "It's amazing, we're a little business in Worcestershire with a big impact really around the world in respect of what we do.
"We sell products into UK, Europe and America for all sorts of uses, but to be honoured by the King of England is incredible.
"For the dedication of the staff both past and present, I think it's so important to be recognised and an absolute privilege really."
The Spectra Group in Herefordshire also made the list for international trade, while OLPRO from Worcestershire was recognised for sustainability.