Thomas Ware and Sons Ltd, one of the world’s largest surviving traditional pit tanneries, has today been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding achievement in the category of International Trade.
Thomas Ware and Son Ltd produce the finest heavy vegetable leathers for shoe, equestrian, sport, leather goods and industrial markets. The company was founded in 1840 and the tannery is situated in the same spot in Coronation Road, Bristol since 1876.
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise largely recognises the company’s increasing success in exports, having radically grown the level of international trade within a few short years.
Alistair Brearley, Managing Director, explained “We are absolutely delighted with the news. Just a few weeks ago Her Majesty’s government contacted us to say the Prime Minister had written to the Queen recommending us for this, one the most prestigious of all awards to industry. Our success can be attributed to the hard work, dedication and continued support from all of our staff, customers, suppliers and overseas agents.”
The award is valid for five years and will enable Thomas Ware and Son Ltd to fly The Queen’s Award flag at their premises and use the emblem on their stationery. Previous winners of such an award re-ported greater worldwide recognition, increased sales and media interest.
Commenting on the award, Barry Knight, Sales Development Manager, said “We have worked extremely hard at developing the overseas markets and enjoyed - not just great success - but have developed a number of wonderful, strong relationships along the journey! This is only the start of things to come, we have many more leathers to develop and new markets to explore.”
The company is in the process of making plans to celebrate their achievement, starting with a recep-tion at Buckingham Palace.
