Cambridge-based Global Inkjet Systems (GIS), which provides software and system components for OEMs and system builders in the inkjet industry worldwide, has won a Queen’s Award for international trade, in recognition of its outstanding growth in overseas markets from 2015 to 2017.
This marks the second time the company has won a Queen’s Award for international trade, having received its first in 2013.
GIS’ overseas earnings more than doubled in the period from 2015 to 2017, and the company now exports to over 20 countries worldwide. In 2017, 81% of its total sales were in international markets, with the US and Asia accounting for 23% and 17% of overseas sales respectively in 2017.
From 2015 to 2017 the business grew from 32 to 51 staff, requiring it to move into new 930sqm premises last summer. Growth continues, with the current headcount now reaching 60.
GIS chief executive Nick Geddes said: “GIS continues to grow and flourish – and we are very proud of our track record in exporting our technology across the world.”
The Tall Group also won a Queen’s Award for international trade, marking the second time the Runcorn-based business has been recognised – it won an award for innovation in 2005 for its cheque printing software applications.
Operating internationally, the business exports to more than 20 countries, with products ranging from cheques to vouchers and from certificates to ballot papers for elections around the world.
Managing director Martin Ruda said: “The Tall Group’s core business is built on printing special cheques and credits and, whilst the use of the cheque is changing, we have thrived due to our ability to position ourselves in new markets, making use of new technology and developing our business internationally.
“As a group, we have been able to utilise the collective experience of our teams, based in our three sites, to grow our export sales activity, avoiding reliance on one product stream. By being innovative we have not just survived in this business but have also been incredibly successful.”
Business services company Commercial, which offers outsourced print, has won a Queen’s Award in the sustainable development category, which focuses on social and economic aspects of sustainability as well as environmental initiatives.
Judges called the business a “sector leader” in sustainability and highlighted numerous schemes to reduce energy consumption and emissions at its offices in Cheltenham, London and Leeds.
These included a delivery fleet with hydrogen-enabled and electric vehicles, reverse logistics recycling and use of photovoltaic panels to provide power for its offices, with any supplementation coming from renewable sources.
Co-founder Simone Hindmarch said: “Responsible business has always been important to us – it stems from our family values. But when I saw Al Gore’s Inconvenient Truth lecture in 2006 I realised we had a duty to manage our impact on the environment more proactively.
“We initially set out to reduce carbon emissions, but the activity gathered momentum and today we have a robust and effective strategy that addresses sustainability in the broadest sense.”
Finally, London-based online digital print and design business Moo won a Queen’s Award for its contribution to innovation.
230 businesses from around the UK were recognised in this year’s awards, which are now in their 52nd year, a record 152 for their contribution to international trade.
According to research by the University of Strathclyde, 73% of international trade winners between 2012 and 2015 directly attributed increased international sales to winning a Queen’s Award.
Winners are invited to attend a royal reception at Buckingham Palace in the summer and are able to use the Queen’s Awards emblem in their marketing and on packaging for the next five years.
Entry to the 2019 Queen’s Awards opens on 8 May 2018 and closes on 12 September 2018. For more information, visit: bit.ly/QAFE2019.
