Cream of Scottish business off to the palace

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Friday 11 July 2008 11:00
Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (Scotland)

Cream of Scottish business off to the palace


On Monday (14 July) representatives of the 11 Scottish companieswinning this years Queen's Awards for Enterprise are attending anevening reception hosted by The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburghat Buckingham Palace.
The reception is a unique opportunity for two members of eachwinning company to meet The Queen and eight other Members of theRoyal Family. These prestigious Awards are announced annually on21st April, The Queen's birthday.
Among the Scottish companies attending are the British ShowcaseGroup Ltd of Livingston, KP Technology Ltd of Wick, Vascutek Ltd,Renfrewshire and Aberdeen companies Downhold Products Plc andOnline Electronics Ltd.
Also attending the event will be Lord Jones, Minister of State forTrade and Investment, who said:
"I am always impressed with the diversity, commitment,determination and enthusiasm of the many businesses and individualsrecognised by The Queen's Awards for Enterprise. They have made ahuge contribution to the economy, helping to create wealth,employment and enhancing the UK's reputation as an enterprisingcentre of excellence. They all deserve enormous credit."
Across the UK, 136 organisations were successful in the businesscategories of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2008, winning 139Awards - three companies have won Awards in two categories,International Trade and Innovation - including Glasgow based PicselTechnologies Limited.
Ahead of the Royal reception leading Scottish company GlencairnCrystal Ltd, East Kilbride praised the awards. Scott Davidson talksabout the positive effect winning an award in 2006 for theirinnovative "Whisky Glasses" has had on their business. Scott said:
"The Queen's Award has had an incredibly positive impact on ourbusiness, for our employees' recognition of their efforts and alsofor our national and international reputation as a recognized andrespected business.
"Our Glencairn Glass, whisky's first glass, is now sought afterthroughout the world and has led us to helping other drinkscompanies develop their barware and packaging. The attachment ofthe Enterprise mark on all our packaging has added to ourconsumer's appreciation and enjoyment of the brand.
"It has been a wonderful time for our company and the granting ofthe country's most recognised award has given us the confidence toknow we are doing things well."
The winners, both large and small, come from almost every corner ofthe UK and represent the full range of industrial and commercialendeavour, products and services. Other Scottish winners this yearinclude Loch Duart Ltd, Sutherland who trebled their overseas salesin fresh farmed salmon, and the University of Glasgow BusinessSchool, MSc Management Unit, Glasgow which offers a high qualitymasters degree programme, has increased its overseas income by 261%over three years.
Keela International Ltd, Glenrothes, Fife won in the Innovationcategory for developing a new waterproof clothing system calledSystem Dual Protection which has clothed the British SpecialForces, Mountain Rescue Teams and Expeditions all around the world.
ScotAsh Limited of Alloa, Clackmannanshire received its secondQueens Award for its continuous achievement for contribution toproducing sustainable construction materials using power stationash output to manufacture products.
The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the UK's most prestigiouscorporate Award for business excellence. They recognise theachievement of the successful business unit as a whole - managementand employees - working as a team. They are granted in threecategories: International Trade (recognising an outstanding orcontinuous achievement in overseas earnings); Innovation (forcommercially successful and innovative products or services); andSustainable Development (covering commercially successful productsand services and approaches to management that have major benefitsfor the environment, society and the UK economy).
Her Majesty will also meet recipients of The Queen's Award forEnterprise Promotion 2008. This Award recognises the work ofoutstanding individuals from both the private and public sector whohave promoted the growth of enterprise and entrepreneurial skillsand attitudes in others. Eleven recipients of the Award, includinga Lifetime Achievement recipient and ten Standard Award recipients,one of whom will receive an honorary Award, will be attending thereception to be formally presented with their Award by HRH ThePrincess Royal. The Award consists of an engraved crystal glasschalice and a Grant of Appointment. The Award recipients will beaccompanied by a guest and their nominator.
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The closing date for applications to be received for The Queen'sAwards for Enterprise 2009 (for businesses) and for nominations forThe Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion (for individuals) ismidnight on 31 October 2008. Winners will be announced on 21 April2009.
2. Companies can apply for The Queen's Awards for Enterprise in oneor more of three categories - International Trade, Innovation andSustainable Development. Full details of the criteria under eachcategory, as well as information on how to apply, can be found onThe Queen's Awards website at http://www.queensawards.org.uk
3. The Queen's Awards emblem and other relevant images can bedownloaded in hi-res Jpeg format from The Queen's Awards imagearchive at http://www.queensawards.org.uk


WINNERS OF THE QUEEN'S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE 2008
The full list of winners is available from the website, http://www.queensawards.org.uk .
SCOTTISH WINNERS OF THE QUEENS AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE 2008
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
The British Showcase Group Ltd t/a Click Netherfield
The Glassworks, Grange Road, Houstoun Industrial Estate,LIVINGSTON, West Lothian EH54 5DE
Website: http://www.clicknetherfield.com
Employees:95
Managing Director:Mr J Stewart
Ultimate Parent:Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries:Jim Stewart
Tel:01506 835200
E-mail:jim.stewart@clicknetherfield.com
The British Showcase Group Limited t/a Click Netherfield has beentrading since 2000 and manufactures, delivers and installs highquality specialist museum display cases for national andinternational museums. Its products are made from steel oraluminium extrusions and high security anti-bandit glass to suit arange of budgets. The display cases also include specialist climatecontrol systems. Many are custom-made. Manuals and free trainingare provided. Over 3 years the company's export earnings haveincreased by 140% from its markets in 42 countries worldwide. Ithas major clients in USA, China, the Middle East, Australasia andHong Kong. New markets include Finland, Bulgaria, Egypt and SaudiArabia. The company attributes its success to its strengths in thekey areas (to its clients) of security, conservation andaesthetics.
Downhole Products Plc
Badentoy Road, Badentoy Park, Portlethen, ABERDEEN AB12 4YA
Website: http://www.downhole.co.uk
Employees:45
Director:Mr B Barron
Ultimate Parent:Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries:Sharon Roe, Spinnaker Communications
Tel: 01334 473754
E-mail: Sharon.roe@tesco.net
Downhole Products Plc manufactures and markets a range of brandedoil well construction and cementing products for the upstream oiland gas industries, including a range of centralisers and reamershoes. It started trading in 1994 and is winning the Award for thefirst time for nearly doubling its exports to over £8m pa inthree years, and selling over 80% of its output overseas. Thisoutstanding performance has been achieved through innovativedesign, patenting products, and marketing them through some 35distributors worldwide. It has also established its own subsidiaryoperations in the USA and Venezuela, creating a further 13 jobs inthe UK.
Loch Duart Ltd
Badcall Salmon House, SCOURIE, Sutherland IV27 4TH
Website: http://www.lochduart.com
Employees:60
Sales Director:Mr A Bing
Ultimate Parent:Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries:Mr Andrew Bing
Tel: 01971 502451
E-mail: Andrew.bing@lochduart.com
Loch Duart Ltd has been selling top quality fresh farmed salmonsince 1999, exporting well over 50% of its produce to more than adozen countries and creating its own prestigious brand. It iswinning the Award for the first time for trebling its overseassales in three years. This outstanding performance has beenachieved by emphasising the care taken in raising the salmon, itsenvironmental accreditations gained in collaboration withscientific and environmental organisations, and through a marketingstrategy aimed at selling its fish through many of the mostprestigious outlets in the UK and overseas.
Online Electronics Limited
Online House, 266 Auchmill Road, ABERDEEN AB21 9NB
Website: http://www.online-electronics.com
Employees:18
Managing Director:Mr B Gribble
Ultimate Parent:Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries:Shiby Bernard
Tel: 01224 714714
E-mail: sb@online-electronics.com
Online Electronics Limited designs, manufactures, sells and hiresout pipeline pig monitoring equipment, data logging, datacommunications systems and other customised equipment for use onland and offshore by the oil and gas industry. It started tradingin 1997 and is winning the Award for the first time for increasingits overseas sales by 150% to more than £1 million p.a. inthree years; exports now account for over 60% of production. Thisoutstanding achievement results from an innovative approach toproblem solving for pipeline companies, extensive market research,progressive increases in offices, agents and distributorsthroughout the world, and sales to over 50 countries.
Picsel Technologies Limited
Titanium House, Braehead Business Park, Kings Inch Road, GLASGOWG51 4BP
Website: http://www.picsel.com
Employees:147
Chief Executive Officer:Mr I Khand
Ultimate Parent:Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries:Mr Z Salim, Head of Marketing
Mr Raman Singh Marketing Manager
Tel: 01418 855588
E-mail:zubair.salim@picsel.com/ raman.singh@picsel.com
Picsel Technologies Limited supplies software to the mobiletelephone market, providing innovative solutions and newapplications to the rapidly expanding mobile communication world.It commenced business in 1999 and wins the Award for the first timefor increasing exports over five fold to £22m in three years.All sales are exports. This outstanding achievement is based on awell focused marketing strategy supported by a strong research andproduct development programme. The main markets are Korea, Japanand USA. Close relationships have been established with leadingmanufacturers including Samsung, NTT, Do Co Mo, Sharp, Motorola,NEC, KTF, KDDI, Softbank and LG. It also wins the Award forInnovation.
University of Glasgow Business School, MSc Management Unit
Dept. of Management, Gilbert Scott Building, West Quadrangle,GLASGOW G12 8QQ
Website: http://www.gla.ac.uk/departments/management
Employees:12
Deputy Director MSc Management:Mr A C B Muir
Ultimate Parent:University of Glasgow
Contact for press enquiries:A C Muir
Tel: 01413 302658/ 07968 344848 (Mobile)
E-mail: a.muir@mgt.gla.ac.uk
University of Glasgow Business School, MSc Management Unit, offersa high quality masters degree programme, targeting recent graduatesand aspiring managers worldwide. The Unit commenced activities in1998 and wins the Award for the first time for growing its overseasincome by 261% over three years. Its marketing strategy is based onpartnerships with overseas universities in China and India,supported by own UK staff assignments and regular visits. It hasobtained the coveted accreditation from the Association to AdvanceCollegiate Schools of Business, an elite group of the world's bestbusiness schools. The main sources of students are China, India,Pakistan, Greece and Nigeria, with plans to expand in Colombia.
Vascutek Limited
Newmains Avenue, INCHINNAN, Renfrewshire PA4 9RR
Website: http://www.vascutek.com
Employees:407
Managing Director:Dr R Maini
Ultimate Parent:Terumo Corporation - Japan
Contact for press enquiries:Dr Roshan Maini
Tel: 01418 145534
E-mail: r.maini@vascutek.com
Vascutek Limited, a Japanese subsidiary, has been trading in the UKsince 1983. It manufactures and markets sterile implantablevascular grafts, stent grafts and biological heart valves. Theseare used in the treatment of diseased and damaged human arteriesand heart valves. The company's key customers are vascular andcardiac surgeons who require the highest quality products toimplant into their patients. The company exports to more than 60markets worldwide. In 2007, its top 5 overseas markets were in USA,Japan, Germany, Italy and Australia. First class marketing hasenabled it to export over 90% of its total output and during the 3years its export earnings grew by more than £11m.
INNOVATION
KP Technology Ltd
12A Burn Street, WICK, Caithness KW1 5EH
Website: http://www.kelvinprobe.com
Employees: 8
Chief Executive Officer: Professor I D Baikie
Ultimate Parent: Not Applicable
Contact for press enquiries: Nicola Dreaves/ Ian D Baikie
Tel: 01955 602777
E-mail: Nicola@kptechnology.ltd.uk/ Iain@kptechnology.ltd.uk
KP Technology Ltd wins the Award for designing and manufacturingKelvin Probes, scientific measurement instruments. They arenon-contact, vibrating capacitor devices which characterise surfaceproperties of materials by detecting electron movements in theatomic layers of specimens. As a result of continuing research,patented technologies have been incorporated extending theinstruments' range of applications to include nanotechnology,semi-conductor research, electro-mechanical systems development,surface coatings technology, medicine and biotechnology. Recentlythe first commercially available instruments for measuring absolutevalues were produced. Through continuous innovation the smallcompany has gained an international, high-profile customer base.
Keela International Ltd
52/53 Nasmyth Road, Southfield Industrial Estate, GLENROTHES, Fife,KY6 2SD
Website: http://www.keela.co.uk
Employees: 20
Sales Director: Ms S Fernando
Ultimate Parent: Not Applicable
Contact for press enquiries: Gordon Lundie
Tel: 01592 777000
E-mail: Gordon@keela.co.uk
Keela International Ltd developed a new innovative waterproofclothing system called System Dual Protection, for which it winsthis award. Current single layer or breathable fabric garments donot actually breathe or allow condensation to escape in wet andcold environments. The current International test standard forwaterproof/breathable material is tested in dry/humid conditionswhich is an unrealistic environment for wet weather use. Thus Keeladeveloped System Dual Protection which manages inner condensationand breathability for use in all weather conditions. System DualProtection uses high tech fabrics combined in a revolutionaryconstruction method to create an "airgap" similar to double glazingprinciple to ensure the wearer stays and comfortable in all weatherconditions. System Dual Protection has helped protect BritishSpecial Forces, Mountain Rescue Teams and Expeditions all aroundthe world.
Picsel Technologies Limited
Titanium House, Braehead Business Park, Kings Inch Road, GLASGOWG51 4BP
Website: http://www.picsel.com
Employees: 202
Chief Executive Officer: Mr I Khand
Ultimate Parent: Not applicable
Contact for press enquiries: Mr Z Salim, Head of Marketing
Mr Raman Singh Marketing Manager
Tel: 01418 855588
E-mail: Zubair.salim@picsel.com/ Raman.singh@picsel.com
Picsel Technologies Limited has produced software for documentprocessing by mobile phones and similar products for which it winsthe Award. Through the novel conversion of files, the softwareenables devices with small screens and limited memories to access,format, edit, view, and print electronic documents. Its featuresinclude handling video links, hyper-links and animations,instantaneous whole page zooming and switching between portrait andlandscape layouts without image compromise. Being independent ofthe operating system, it can be loaded onto a wide range ofinstruments. Hundreds of millions of devices incorporating thesoftware have already been sold. It also wins the Award forInternational Trade.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ScotAsh Limited
Longannet Power Station, Kincardine-on-Forth, ALLOA,Clackmannanshire FK10 4AA
Website: http://www.scotash.com
Employees: 23
Managing Director: Mr P Quinn
Ultimate Parent: ScottishPower and Lafarge Cement
Contact for press enquiries: Linda Stewart
Tel: 01475 540791
E-mail: Linda@lauderstewart.demon.co.uk
ScotAsh Limited receives the Award for its continuous achievementfor its contribution to producing sustainable constructionmaterials, using power station ash output to manufacture products,including blended cements, grouts and waste stabilisationmaterials. The company is commended for the contribution it hasmade to sustainability through its innovative research anddevelopment, pioneering for its time, which has resulted in thecapacity to recycle previously un-recyclable material. The companyhas also striven to ensure high-end use for such material,enhancing the carbon savings which can accrue. This is a companythat has demonstrated commendable leadership through itsinnovation, development of new markets, and strong stewardship,providing a strong benchmark for progressing the sustainabledevelopment agenda through both processes and products, within thesector.
RECIPIENTS OF THE QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE PROMOTION 2008
In the fourth year of The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion(QAEP) a Lifetime Achievement Award is conferred upon Mr JohnEversley MBE, Director and Vice-Chair of Tyne and Wear EnterpriseTrust Ltd (ENTRUST) who has a 30-year track record of pioneeringand supporting enterprise in the North East following the declineof the coal and shipbuilding industries. His many initiativesinclude the inception of Tyne and Wear Enterprise Trust,establishing a public private partnership to develop work spaces,setting up a Loan Fund for entrepreneurs unable to get bank supportand persuading a company to provide premises specially adapted fordisabled entrepreneurs.
The Standard Queen's Awards for Enterprise Promotion 2008 areconferred upon:
Mr Zulfiqar Ali, who has drawn on his business experience inleading technology companies to influence regeneration andenterprise in the deprived area of Rochdale, Lancashire. He hassupported over 100 start-up ethnic minority businesses and mentoredmany individuals, as well as developing an 'Enterprise for All'course, a business awards event and a centre which provides managedworkspace, conference and training facilities for the localcommunity.
Mrs Sally Arkley, who is the Managing Director of the Women'sBusiness Development Agency, which she has grown from a localwomen's advice organisation in the West Midlands into a nationallyrecognised social enterprise helping women (includingschoolchildren), refugees and ethnic minorities. She has researchedand implemented a range of tailored advice, counselling, trainingand business growth packages for women and raised the profile ofwomen in business at every level. She has broadened her clienteleto include men in deprived areas, ethnic minorities and refugees.
Mr Paul Barry-Walsh, a successful entrepreneur andmulti-millionaire in the IT sector, who set up the FredericksFoundation in 2001 a registered charity to provide start-upsupport, loan finance and mentoring for those in financial hardshipincluding the unemployed, single parents, ex-offenders and disabledpeople. He devotes two days a week to the charity, which hastriggered 500 start-ups with 69% of the businesses still trading.He is also involved in a social enterprise providing a marketplacefor buyers and sellers of working time and takes personal risks tohelp fledgling businesses.
Mr Brian Dunsby, a successful entrepreneur based in Yorkshire, whohas helped others to start-up and grow their businesses and who hasraised the professionalism of small business advisers. Much of hisinvolvement in enterprise promotion has been at personal cost orbusiness risk. He has held many senior positions in organisationspromoting and supporting Small and Medium Enterprise and organisesHarrogate Chamber of Trade and Commerce on a voluntary basis.
Mr John Jennens, a retired businessman who has acted as a BusinessCounsellor for Oxfordshire Business Enterprise for the last 11years, mainly on a voluntary basis. He has offered general businessadvice, including marketing and sales training and businessplanning. He has mentored advised and assisted more than 1000clients, some from deprived communities around Oxford.
Mr Michael Leithrow, who was instrumental in setting up theNorthern Pinetree Trust as a social enterprise and registeredcharity dedicated to helping the most seriously disadvantaged inthe North East. As General Manager since 2002, Mr Leithrow hasprovided enterprise awareness, business counselling and support,grants and bursaries, access to specialised loan funds and trainingto the Trust's target clientele which includes people with a broadrange of disabilities, offenders, ex-offenders, the long-term sickand those with mental health problems.
Mr John May, who as founding employee and CEO of a nationaleducational charity raises the enterprise skills and careeraspirations of 16 to 19 year olds, drawn largely from deprivedinner city areas. Students participating in the Academies'two-year, nationally accredited course undertake six-weekinternships from which they learn and practise a range ofenterprise skills and attitudes. Mr may trains schools and collegesto form their own Career Academy local advisory board of businessleaders and has steered the Academy movement to a network of over65 schools and colleges, which share best practice.
Mrs Pamela Neal, who as Mentor and Workshop Facilitator to morethan 400 young individuals in a predominantly rural anddisadvantaged area of North Wales has seen 200 of them go on tostart successful companies. She has developed a reputation, whichsets her apart from her peers in providing support to young people.Half of her mentoring activity is on a voluntary basis. She alsohelps the educational institutions with whom she works to develop,establish and manage enterprise training programmes and is seen asa role model by peers and managers alike. Mrs Neal focuses on youngpeople, often from disadvantaged backgrounds, including those withdyslexia.
Mrs Janette Pallas, who has been involved in enterprise promotionsince she was a self-employed Business Counsellor in 1990, has, asBusiness Incubation and Enterprise Manager, led her team at DeMontfort University to achieve the greatest number of graduatestart-up businesses in the East Midlands region. Mrs Pallas hascarried out a wide range of voluntary activities and held severalvoluntary positions including that of founder Director of a newenterprise agency for the North and West of Leicestershire. Herwork has had an impact on students, schoolchildren, those withdisabilities, women, and those in rural deprived areas as well associal enterprises.
HONORARY AWARD
Dr Nicholas O'Shiel, a citizen of the Republic of Ireland, has madea substantial contribution to the promotion of enterprise,potential entrepreneurs, social enterprises and small businessdevelopment from the basis of his position as Director and ChiefExecutive of the Omagh Enterprise Company, both as mentor and rolemodel. He has also been instrumental in developing and implementingnumerous enterprise programmes for disadvantaged communities, womenand young people in business start-up/growth/innovation, technologyinnovation and loan funds. Although his focus has been from anOmagh perspective, his influence has been felt more widely inNorthern Ireland through his numerous voluntary activities, inparticular founding and participating in the Omagh Business Forumand the 2010 Taskforce.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF THE QUEEN'S AWARDS OFFICE BY KATY JEFFREY, COINEWS AND PR.
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The Queen's Awards Office
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