Queen's award honours best of British business

A number of fashion brands, including Hackett London, Boxfresh, Regatta, and Marks & Spencer, are among those recognised in this year's Queen's Awards for Enterprise, which honours outstanding UK companies and encourage the development

of British business in three categories: international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

The Awards, which are announced each year on April 21, Her Majesty's birthday, are the UK’s highest accolade for business success, and are made by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

Quintessentially British brand, Hackett London, was awarded a 2012 Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade, an accolade recognising the label’s international expansion over the last few years, as well as highlighting the brand’s expansion plans within Europe as well as further afield to the Far East and Middle Eastern countries.

Hackett London’s Managing Director, Vicente Castellano commented: “It is a privilege to have been awarded this prestigious award by The Queen and we would like to take this opportunity to thank all who have helped us achieve this incredible rate of expansion and success over a relatively short period of time.

“2012 will continue to be an exciting year for Hackett, providing more opportunities for the brand.  With the help of our partners we are opening stores at an increasing rate with expansion within Europe continuing as well as looking further afield to the Far East and Middle Eastern countries.  Both these markets are proving increasingly important for British Style brands such as Hackett and we are keen to be a part of the British export.”

Other businesses rewarded for international trade were: Boxfresh, which retails branded clothing and footwear; Regatta, the outdoor clothing specialists; M Chapman & Sons Textiles Ltd, a supplier of corduroy, moleskin, velvet and cotton; Elitehill Trading, better known as women’s footwear brand Duo; King Cole, a knitwear company; and Saville Row company Henry Poole.

There were no fashion companies honoured for their innovation, but Marks & Spencer were among the winner’s in the sustainable development category, for their ‘Plan A’ programme, which embeds sustainable management of relationships and resources across its business operations.

Image: Hackett London