Eight North East companies are toasting success after winning Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, two of these hailing from County Durham. Roman and Qinov8 are amongst the eight businesses celebrating the achievement.
The winners of the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of UK businesses across categories including innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.
Newton Aycliffe based Roman, which also wins an international trade award, was initially based around providing colour coordinated glass screens to match bathroom colors. Since then, it has evolved into being the largest manufacturer of shower enclosures, wet room panels and bath screens in the UK and Europe. Over three years to March 2020 its overseas sales have grown by 46% and exports now make up around 10% of all sales.
A spokeswoman for Roman said: “We are all immensely proud of this huge honour – and to be awarded a second one makes it even more special. The award is recognised all around the world and we know that this accolade will further strengthen the Roman brand nationally and internationally. I know all of our staff and their families will take great pride in such news.”
Qinov8, based in Shildon, County Durham, receives a Queen’s Award for innovation, thanks to its pioneering product Aquapea.
The company developed the product in 2016, which is capable of repairing water leaks from inside the pipe without excavating or exposing the pipe. The novel approach was inspired by an experiment blowing tissue paper through a Bic pen, and Aquapea is now fully approved to be used in potable water supplies and offers global benefits, helping to tackle climate change and water scarcity.
Founder Michael Quinn said: “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise means so much to Qinov8. Within the water industry this will allow us to be on the same stage as the big innovation companies, to showcase our present and future technologies for the UK and International markets, helping us to continue developing new products capable of saving water and reducing the carbon footprint.”
Source: Business Live
