26 Apr Colchester firm celebrate Queen’s Award for Enterprise
Ultimotive Ltd today announced that the company has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in recognition of the company’s excellence in international trade.
Ultimotive develops, manufactures, markets and supplies innovative chemical cleaning products for the global automotive industry. Founded in 2003 by Managing Director Andy Smith, the company supplies major brands under licence including Williams F1, MotoGP, Michelin, Turtle Wax Pro, Stayzon and its own label Caiman.
Export sales account for 39% of the company’s business, which experienced growth of almost 300% in the period 2015-17. Notably, at a critical time for British exports, Ultimotive’s global reach is still accelerating. International markets include Australia, Qatar, Turkey, Sweden and Jordan. 2019 will see the company’s footprint expand further as it launches exciting new products in Asia.
Managing Director, Andy Smith commented “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is probably the most prestigious business award; and to be recognised for our contribution to international trade reflects the global appetite for our products. When it comes to professional automotive cleaning products, Ultimotive is proud to fly the flag for Britain. Now, quite literally, we will be flying the flag with the prestigious moniker and emblem of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise on our building and our product packaging.”
Employing thirteen staff at its Colchester headquarters, Ultimotive has a passion for inspiring and innovating – serving the world’s most ambitious brands in the car care sector. Excellence in customer service is recognised with the company’s ISO9001 certification together with recent wins at the Essex Business Awards as well as the Innovation 50 Awards.
Conservative MP for Colchester, Hon. Will Quince MP, supported the application for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise and has taken an active interest in the company. He commented, “Congratulations to the team at Ultimotive. This award is not only excellent news for the company, but also for Essex as it illustrates the quality of commercial manufacturing in this part of the UK. The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a true accolade and is a perfect platform for the company to continue to grow internationally”.
Now in its 53rd year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise include previous winners J.P Morgan, iCandy, Veolia and Willmott Dixon.
The next ceremonial steps for Ultimotive include recognition in a special edition of the London Gazette, published in April, which will carry the names of all 201 winners. The London Gazette is the oldest English newspaper and is an official journal of record of the British Government. A Grant of Appointment ceremony takes place at Ultimotive’s office (date tba) with the County’s Lord Lieutenant and local VIPs. The Lord Lieutenant is Her Majesty The Queen’s local representative and will present a crystal trophy to the Ultimotive team. (PHOTOCALL OPPORTUNITY).
Following the Grant of Appointment, Ultimotive’s Directors will visit Buckingham Palace in the summer for a celebratory reception, which is hosted by HRH Prince Charles.
