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Wiltshire business excellence celebrated in The King ’ s Awards for Enterprise
usiness in nearly two
Four Wiltshire businesses are among the recipients announced in The King ’ s Awards for Enterprise .
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New work rises for fifth month running
The Awards put the spotlight on businesses across the United Kingdom excelling in the categories of International Trade , Innovation , Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility .
Swindon ’ s BGA , a leading supplier of engine , steering and transmission automotive parts , received an Award in the International Trade category . It is the second time the company has been recognised by the scheme , and highlights BGA ’ s impressive growth revenue , which saw a substantial increase in 2023 .
With exports now spanning over 90 countries , BGA ’ s global impact is remarkable .
Managing Director , Chris Cameron , said , “ Receiving the King ’ s Award for Enterprise once again is a tremendous honour for everyone at BGA . This accolade is a testament to our team ’ s hard work and dedication to pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve in international trade . Meeting the late Queen Elizabeth II , and now King Charles , to receive this award has been an extraordinary highlight for us . I sincerely thank and congratulate everyone at BGA for making this possible .” apetito in Trowbridge is one of the UK ’ s leading food producers to the health , social care , care homes and education sectors .
The company was presented with a King ’ s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category .
Paul Freeston , Chief Executive Officer and Chair of apetito UK & North America , said , “ We are proud , honoured and delighted to have been recognised in The King ’ s Awards for
Providing marketing services for small and medium size businesses
sa , > 50 = growth since previous month 70
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Enterprise : Sustainable Development 2024 . It epitomises the collective hard work , dedication and vision of our entire team . “ All of us at apetito are passionate about ‘ making a real difference ’ to people ’ s lives and we believe our commitment to sustainable development reflects this . Sustainability informs not just the way we work , but how we treat people , the impact on the environment and our contribution to the economy . Leading from the top , we ’ ve worked to embed this belief into the fabric of the whole business . Put simply , we believe it ’ s the right way to do business .”
Manufacturer of fine fabrics and textiles , Fermoie Ltd in Marlborough , was recognised in the International Trade category .
Fermoie received the Award after growing its export business by over 800 % in just four years , through a strategy based on creating beauty in design and print alongside unparalleled customer service . It has built its success on USPs including original hand-drawn artwork , unique colours , an innovative take on traditional printing , and the fact that all Fermoie fabrics are designed and made entirely in-house .
Exports now account for over half the company ’ s total turnover . The US is its largest overseas market accounting for over 40 % of overall global sales . Jamie Shawcross , Commercial Director , said , “ We ’ re thrilled and honoured to receive the King ’ s Award for Enterprise . We ’ ve worked incredibly hard to build our company and develop our export business , which has grown eightfold in just four years and now accounts for over half our annual turnover . There ’ s a real appetite among international customers , particularly in America but also across Europe and further afield , for beauty in design and print . We ’ re delighted that our hand-drawn artwork , distinctive colours and beautiful fabrics , all manufactured entirely in-house here in the UK , have found such a receptive audience right across the world .”
AeroGlow International based in Salisbury was recognised in the International Trade category .
The company manufactures and markets the Hatch Lighting and Orientation System ( HaLO ) Emergency Egress Lighting System ( EELS ) for use in armoured vehicles .
Over 7,000 systems are in service since its introduction 15
Wage pressures contribute to sharpest upturn in costs for 14 months
BGA ’ s Davide Piaser - Head of Export , Chris Cameron – Managing
Director , Matthew Greener – Marketing Director
Selling price inflation recedes amid competitive pressures
Strengthening demand conditions and improved client confidence spurred new business growth across the South West , according to the NatWest PMI ® . Hence , there was a further uptick in output during April , with firms signalling upbeat forecasts for the medium-term . Cost pressures picked up to a 14-month high , in large part due to changes in the national living wage , but competitive pressures curbed charge inflation .
At 51.3 in April ( March 51.2 ), the headline NatWest South West PMI ® Business Activity Index – a seasonally adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region ’ s manufacturing and service sectors – was inside expansion territory for the second month in a row . Increased new order intakes , demand resilience and more favourable economic conditions underpinned the latest rise in output , anecdotal evidence showed .
Paul Edwards , Chair of the NatWest South West Regional Board , commented :
" The latest PMI numbers for the South West look very positive , as private sector companies reported a marked rise in inflows of new business thanks to an improvement in economic conditions and client confidence . On the whole , local firms remained strongly optimistic about the outlook , though cost considerations continued to lead to job shedding . Survey data also indicated the continuation of robust cost pressures in April . Anecdotal evidence showed upward pressure on salaries and wages as the main factor driving up business costs , but competitive pressures restricted charge inflation ."
South West Business Activity Index
years ago , mostly in the UK and US where it is considered to be an essential safety system , mitigating egress and drowning risks in armoured vehicles . Business Development Director , Keith White , said , “ We are immensely proud of this achievement , which reflects our ongoing efforts to drive growth and prosperity through international trade . As we continue to innovate and expand our global footprint , we remain dedicated to exceeding the expectations of our customers and upholding the values of excellence and integrity that define AGI .”
Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said , “ I congratulate the recipients of this year ’ s King ’ s Awards for Enterprise , who exemplify the talent , innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of British business .
“ I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas , helping to grow the UK economy .”
The King ’ s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen ’ s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King ’ s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses . The Award programme , now in its 58th year , has recognised over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965 .
apetito is one of the UK ’ s leading food producers to the health , social care , care homes and education sectors .
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