Footwear brands Joseph Cheaney and Base London, along with men’s
tailoring retailer Charles Tyrwhitt have been given Queen’s Awards for
enterprise in international trade.
Named on the Queen’s 90th birthday, all three businesses were recognised
for their sales growth in international markets, as well as “flying the
British flag” around the world.
“I am delighted that Joseph Cheaney has been honoured with one of the
highest awards for British Business, The Queens Award for Enterprise in
International Trade,” said Jonathan Church, joint managing director Joseph
Cheaney. “It’s a great accolade to receive the award in 2016; a year that
not only celebrates the 90th birthday of the Queen, but also the 130th
anniversary of our company. For us, the award also demonstrates how quality
products ‘Made in England’ are recognised the world over.”
Since Church led a management buyout of the heritage footwear brand in
2009, the company has seen its turnover more than doubled from 4 million to
9.6 million pounds, while exports have tripled and now account for nearly a
third of the company’s sales. 80 percent of export sales are from Europe
and The Far East, with Italy being Cheaney’s biggest market in Europe, and
Japan their largest export market overall.
This marks the third time Joseph Cheaney has been awarded a Queen’s
Award, with the previous honours being in 1966 and 1971.
2016 also marks an important year for Base London, it celebrates its
21st anniversary, and it has been developing a strong international
business with its footwear now sold in 20 countries, with global sales of
more than 10 million pounds.
“Since the launch of Base London we have been committed not only to
driving our sales and brand awareness in new international markets but have
also passionately flown the flag for the great work delivered by the UK in
terms of contemporary men’s footwear,” explained Base London chairman,
David Conibere. “To have our efforts recognised by Her Majesty The Queen is
thrilling for everyone at Base London.”
150 businesses were recognised for enterprise in international trade and
along with footwear brands Joseph Cheaney and Base London, men’s shirtmaker
Charles Tyrwhitt were also honoured.
In addition, seven businesses received awards for enterprise in
sustainable development, including The Fairtrade Foundation, which was
recognised for its work empowering small-scale farmers and workers in
developing countries to drive their own sustainable development within a
world trade system that is often stacked against small producer
communities.
The Fairtrade Foundation chief executive officer Michael Gidney said:
“We are honoured and delighted to have gained this prestigious award from
Her Majesty for a second time in Fairtrade’s 20-year history.
“This award is a boost for all of the businesses and campaigners who
support Fairtrade, but it is also welcome recognition for the incredible
efforts of producers around the world who work tirelessly to innovate and
improve their products, and who have used Fairtrade as a means of building
stronger businesses and communities.”
In addition, real estate company British Land, which owns shopping
centres and retail parks including Meadowhall and Drake Circus, were also
recognised for enterprise in sustainable development.
Business secretary, Sajid Javid, added: “The Queen’s Awards are a great
way of celebrating the best of British business. Whether you’re a
disruptive start-up making life easier for your customers or a large
company with a blockbuster product, these awards recognise your
contribution to enterprise.
“We are a country full of exciting and innovative businesses that
deserve to be celebrated. I’d like to commend all the winners for their
hard work in creating jobs for people and driving our growing economy.”
Images: Joseph Cheaney and Base London