THE BIG DAY ARRIVES – QUEEN’S AWARD PRESENTED

Haslingden, UK – Firesafe personnel finally got to hold the Queen’s Award trophy at a reception held at our premises for 70 guests and employees. Firesafe were joined by colleagues from our group company and Licensed Partner, Caswell, with VIP dignitaries including Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire; Helen Broughton MBE, Deputy Lieutenant; The Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale and high-ranking business and civic leaders.

We have planned for this event ever since April 23rd – when the winning of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise : International Trade was originally announced – and the 19th July 2019 will live long in the memory.

After introductions, guests were given a guided tour of the Caswell manufacturing facility in Haslingden – one of the locations worldwide where CASWELL FIRESAFE® non-coated, fire-resisting  ductwork is made. This was followed by a refreshing drink and a brief overview presentation of Firesafe’s business, which covered our valued international Partners, recent awards, technical development, marketing and our projects portfolio. Next came the main event, with speeches given by Lord Shuttleworth and Richard Coxen leading to the presentation of the substantial glass award accompanied by the very wise (and only slightly tongue-in-cheek) words “Don’t you dare drop it.”
This was followed by a fine buffet and drinks reception; finally allowing everyone to engage in relaxed conversation and celebrate the smooth passing of this momentous event.

Queen's Award for Enterprise,trophy, Dartington Glass

Impressive Queen’s Award for Enterprise trophy by Dartington Glass

Queen's Award,Firesafe Directors,Mark Harrison,Helen Broughton MBE,Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire,Charles Coxen,Carolyn Branagan,Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO,Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire,Richard Coxen,Robert Coxen

Firesafe Directors pictured with VIP guests Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire and Helen Broughton MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant

This prestigious award for International Trade – presented along with a stirring speech on British manufacturing prowess by Lord Shuttleworth – is one of only 129 granted to UK businesses this year. Only 3 other North-West based companies achieved the same criteria of six years’ outstanding, continuous growth.

Chairman Richard Coxen stated: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised with the Queen’s Award. It reflects the quality and dedication of our staff and how they engage with our partners to deliver dynamic growth. We are sure that this royal endorsement of our business will act as a springboard to future success.”

Here’s what some of our special guests thought on the day:

Cllr. Alyson Barnes, Leader of Rossendale Council, commented: “Firesafe are a fantastic, home-grown local company that are flying the flag for Rossendale all over the world.

Mandy Lockett, International Business Director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce praised Firesafe’s achievement. “Their innovation, partnerships, strategy and teamwork have propelled this business into successfully winning global sales,” she said. “The Queen’s emblem is an honour for any business and bestows unrivalled worldwide recognition. It is fantastic to see businesses doing great things and inspiring others to follow.”

Gary Sheader, Founder of The Manufacturers Alliance said: “It’s been great to see Richard and the team achieve this growth over the last few years with their CASWELL FIRESAFE® product and brand.”

Firesafe team,Mark Harrison, Robert Coxen, Linda Manning, Carolyn Branagan, Darren Webster, Richard Coxen, Charles Coxen, Louise Coxen, Mark Elliott

AWARD WINNERS: The Firesafe team: (L-R) Mark Harrison; Robert Coxen, Linda Manning, Carolyn Branagan, Darren Webster, Richard Coxen, Charles Coxen, Louise Coxen and Mark Elliott

Drinks reception, Firesafe Fire Rated Ductwork

A bit of fizz to celebrate the company’s success

Chairman,Richard Coxen,Lord Shuttleworth,Helen Broughton MBE

Chairman, Richard Coxen escorts Lord Shuttleworth and Helen Broughton on a factory tour

Celebration cake, Queen's Award for Enterprise, Firesafe, 2019,Fleck's emblem

A very special (and tasty) cake – created by Fleck’s of Darwen – alongside the official 2019 Queen’s Awards magazine

Queen's Award, Firesafe Directors,Mayor of Rossendale, Alyson Barnes, Gary Sheader

We were delighted to be joined by The Mayor and Mayoress of Rossendale and other esteemed guests

The highlights are in this short film by Will Stanley  www.willstanleyphoto.com

For more on our journey towards this Award see our previous News article

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