As some of our customers may already know, Willard Conservation were named as winners of the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2016 for International Trade earlier this year. Just last week, Willard Conservation, was presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise at a private reception held at Pallant House Gallery on Thursday 27th October. The Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Mrs Susan Pyper, presented the award on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, to Managing Director Paul Willard.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is recognised as being the UK’s highest accolade for business success. The awards are made annually by HM The Queen and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. Willard Conservation were named as a winner of the 2016 Awards in recognition of their increased export sales over recent years, which this year alone, represent more than 70% of the company’s annual sales and amongst others, includes exports to, Qatar, China, Australia, Latvia, Germany, Austria, USA and Dubai.
Willard Conservation manufactures a wide range of unique tools & equipment, that are used by Conservation specialists to preserve and restore some of the World’s most famous and priceless art treasures, together with items of historic importance. The products are all built in the Company’s Chichester workshops, which have been home to the Willard Family business for the last 60 years.
Paul Willard said, “Everyone at Willard Conservation is immensely proud and honoured to receive this award, which is testament to the continued hard work and dedication of everyone working for the business.” He continues, “We have all worked hard to continue the development of an extensive range of products and services, which further enhance our reputation for high quality and long-lasting craftsmanship. This award comes at a really exciting time for our business, as we look to the future and the continued growth of our product portfolio.”
It is understood to be the only Chichester-based company to hold both a Queen’s Award for Enterprise & a Royal Warrant of Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen, which was granted to the company in 2002 – a mark of quality and recognition to those who supply goods or services to the Households of The Royal Family. Over the last seven years, the company has invested in the growth and diversification of its product range, whilst maintaining the high quality and reliability for which it is renowned.
From left to right, The Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex Mrs Susan Pyper and Managing Director of Willard Conservation, Mr Paul Willard.