Award winners – left to right, Mark Harrison; Helen Broughton MBE, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Lancashire; Charles Coxen and Carolyn Branagan, Lord Shuttleworth KG KCVO, Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire; Richard Coxen and Robert Coxen.
Firesafe Fire Rated Ductwork (FFRDL) is part of the Caswell Group based in Haslingden, Rossendale. The award marks six years of outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales for the company which has licensed manufacturing partners in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and, most recently, the U.S.
The Caswell Firesafe product is a passive fire protection system and used to help protect lives and property. In the UK, long-term national clients include McDonald’s, Nando’s and Wagamama.
The international award is one of only 129 granted to UK businesses this year and one of just four in the North West. It was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire, Lord Shuttleworth, at a reception at the company’s premises for 70 VIP guests and employees.
The chairman, Richard Coxen, stated: “We are extremely proud to have been recognised with the Queen’s Award. It reflects the quality and dedication of our staff and how they engage with our partners to deliver dynamic growth. We are sure that this royal endorsement of our business will act as a springboard to future growth.”
Mandy Lockett, international business director at East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, praised Firesafe’s achievement: “Their innovation, partnerships, strategy and teamwork have propelled this business into successfully winning global sales. The Queen’s emblem is an honour for any business and bestows unrivalled worldwide recognition. It is fantastic to see businesses doing great things and inspiring others to follow.”
Gary Sheader, from The Manufacturers Alliance, said: “It’s been great to see Richard and the team achieve the growth they have over the last few year with their Caswell Firesafe product and brand. The team is humble in its approach, as are most Northern manufacturing businesses.”