Stratford firms win Queen's Award

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON jeweller Pragnell, is one of two local companies to have been named as winners of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The 64-year-old firm, based on Wood Street in the town centre, has been honoured in the International Trade category.

It counts African tribal leaders to Middle Eastern sheikhs, international entrepreneurs, world-famous celebrities and European royalty among its clients.

The other local recipient is organic baby products firm Green Sheep Group, which is based in Snitterfield.

It was honoured in the Innovation category.

Both companies can display the Crown and Queens Award logo on products, packaging and marketing for five years.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s highest official Award for British business performance, recognising and rewarding outstanding achievement by UK companies.

They are granted each year by the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

Pragnell managing director, Charlie Pragnell, grandson of company founder, George, said: "This is a tremendous honour for us.

"We set out our ambitions to become an international brand in 2014, and with the help of a carefully designed international growth strategy, we’ve achieved some success.

“Our investment in our people and in new technology has been particularly effective in helping us become a leading exporter of the finest handcrafted British jewellery. I’m very proud of our team and am excited for the next chapter in the Pragnell story.”

Roger Allen, Green Sheep Group chief executive, said: “The whole company was absolutely delighted to receive the news, it is testimony to the hard work and upbeat culture in every department that we have received such an incredible honour.

“The Queen’s Award focuses attention from macro thinking through to a high demand for accuracy and attention to detail.

"We had to demonstrate professional acumen within each facet of the business, including the high levels of growth we have managed and lived through over recent years. It is an incredibly exciting time.”