West Midland firms celebrate Queen's awards

KMB Shipping Services of Castlemill, Burnt Tree, on the border of Dudley and Tipton, received an award in the international trade category. The worldwide freight forwarding company, which began in 1987 as Daily Irish Services, specialises in sea and air freight, bulk haulage and European and Irish shipping.

Kidderminster-based Fibex was a winner for innovation and Cannock’s Laundry Efficiency for sustainable technology.

Across the wider West Midlands 17 companies were recognised this year in the awards which are in their 55th year.

The Queen’s representative for the region, John Crabtree, the Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, paid tribute to the winners saying: “This has been an enormously challenging year for businesses, and it is great to see enterprise and entrepreneurship – particularly on the international stage – honoured in this way. Each company has demonstrated a commitment to long-term and sustainable growth. Each of these businesses is a role model to others and all are deserving of this, the highest business accolade it is possible to receive.

“I hope too that their success will encourage other businesses to consider themselves for the awards. The West Midlands is the second largest lieutenancy area in the UK and the heart of enterprise, and we have many more companies that are deserving of recognition.”

The awards last for five years and are judged by independent panels based on recommendations. They are then passed to the Prime Minister’s advisory committee, who make the final recommendation the Queen.

Fibex on Vale Industrial Park is a specialist supplier of GRP Composite products and solutions used in industrial, construction, electrical substations, water and rail sectors.

Fibex is a supplier of specialist glass reinforced plastic composite products and solutions. The award relates to its Trenchlite cable trough and covers range. Fibex was formed more than 10 years ago and is part of the Alcomet group.

Laundry Efficiency, of Ranton Park, Martindale, produces systems to drive efficiency and increase productivity for commercial laundries.

Nationally, there were 205 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise winners this year. The focus of this year’s awards has been on promoting opportunity through social mobility, an especially important theme given the challenges that have been faced through the pandemic, with businesses playing a valuable role in their local communities.

Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said: “The past year has been a tough time for many businesses across the UK, which is why it is more important than ever to celebrate the achievements of our wealth creators and recognise the contributions they make to our communities.

“In the last 12 months, British businesses showed the entrepreneurial spirit that this country is renowned for, continuing to drive social mobility, find new markets to export to and produce innovative products and services.

“I congratulate this year’s winners and I wish every business that applied for an award this year every success in the future as we build back better from the pandemic.”

Lord lieutenants will be presenting the awards to businesses throughout the year. The winners are permitted to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials.

Winners are also given an official certificate and a commemorative crystal trophy.