#Other suppliers

2012-10-22

Double Celebration for James Heal

Dr Roscoe presents the Queen's Award to Managing Director David Repper (c) 2012 James Heal

James Heal, a leading manufacturer of testing solutions, held a double celebration last week to mark the presentation of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and to commemorate 140 years since the company was formed.

The Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire Dr Ingrid Roscoe presented the Queen’s Award to David Repper, Managing Director of James Heal. “This is a great honour and a tribute to the diligence and dedication of over 100 employees and many individuals and companies who have contributed to this achievement” commented Repper. In his 30th year as Managing Director for James Heal, Repper took over the role from his father in 1992. During his acceptance speech, he likened the moment to being the manager of the winning team at the FA Cup Final as he lifted the commemorative rose bowl in celebration.

The Queen’s Award is a prestigious honour for James Heal and a true recognition of the company’s achievements. The accomplishment follows presentation of the Queen’s Award for Export in 1995, which means James Heal has joined a select group of outstanding companies to receive a second Queen’s Award.

This celebration comes at a time of great success for James Heal. While many British manufacturers are reporting economic difficulties, James Heal is bucking the trend with growth in sales and expansion of the workforce. Over the past three years the company’s turnover has seen significant growth. Much of this has been generated in international markets and the Queen’s Award recognises the success in export sales.

The company works with a network of agents throughout the world to provide a truly global service. Representatives from the top ten agencies joined the celebratory event as it coincided with a week-long international conference designed to share best practice and reinforce the company strategy. This included agents from European countries and further afield including Taiwan, Bangladesh and China.

Proud to be British, James Heal recognises that being a UK manufacturer is a powerful selling point. Customers recognise the unique textile industry expertise in the UK and the ability to translate customer needs into quality products and services.

The event included speeches from key personnel, product demonstrations and the launch of corporate videos to support the key event – the presentation of the Queen’s Award – to the rapturous applause of guests. Guests included staff, customers, suppliers and key partners within the testing community as well as the Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire and the Mayor and Mayoress of Calderdale.

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