Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
The directors and staff of Portmeirion Group were officially presented with their Queen’s Award for Enterprise this week.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Sir James Hawley, conducted the ceremony on behalf of the Queen at Portmeirion’s Stoke-on-Trent headquarters.
The prestigious accolade, made in the awards’ international trade category, recognises the company’s substantial growth in overseas earnings and its outstanding achievement in international business over the last three years.
The group’s export sales have increased by 63% in that time, adding over £14m of turnover, the largest overseas market being the US, which accounts for 41.7% of revenues, with South Korea the second largest at 19%. Amongst notable new and emerging markets for the company’s tableware – which includes the Portmeirion, Spode and Royal Worcester brands – are the Czech Republic, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.
Bucking a more general market move to overseas production, Portmeirion has also grown its manufacturing in the UK to ensure the authenticity of its British brands, and the Stoke-on-Trent factory is now producing at its highest-ever levels, with kilns running 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The company also has record turnover in excess of £50m, with Botanic Garden generating around £20m annually.
Commenting on the award, managing director Michael Haynes said: “We’re extremely honoured to have received such a prestigious award. As the highest official UK award for British businesses, it is testament to the hard work and commitment of our staff.
“The award exemplifies our international strategy of focusing on core growth markets and adapting our distribution and marketing to fit different local regions.”
