By Kristy Dorsey
An online firm, an eco-friendly manufacturer and an energy industry specialist are among the Scottish companies that have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
The programme is the highest official UK awards for businesses in Britain, and currently recognises outstanding achievement across four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development and the promotion of opportunity through social mobility.
Family-owned Armadilla, based on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has secured an innovation award for its commitment to sustainability in the development of its Hotelier Pod. These timber-clad units provide five-star accommodation that lets venues create outdoor bedroom space for those seeking a different type of experience, with low energy demands, minimum maintenance and a lifespan of 50 years.
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Formed in 2010 by managing director Archie Hunter and his son Ross Hunter, the company’s chief executive. Armadilla employs more than 40 people and has doubled its turnover to £2 million during the past year on the back of growth in the “experiential economy”.
“This pod has helped transform our business from a small cottage industry to an advanced manufacturing business dealing with high-end operators,” he added.
Online brand protection specialist SnapDragon Monitoring has also been honoured in the innovation category for providing large and small firms with the tools to fight fakes in the world’s busiest online marketplaces.
Founder Rachel Jones led the creation of the Swoop platform after her Totseat baby business was brought close to ruin by fakes. Originally designed for SMEs, Swoop is now also used by major brands around the world.
“Developing technology is no mean feat but the fact we now have something which empowers brands of all shapes and sizes to use intellectual property as their first line of defence online, which is fantastic,” Ms Jones said.
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In the category for international trade, energy industry specialist Hiretech from Aberdeenshire has also been given a Queen’s Award.
Now in its 10th year of trading. Hiretech employs 25 people supplying rental equipment and staff to the energy and marine industries. Following significant recent growth across Africa, the Caspian, Norway and South East Asia, the firm aims to further increase its international trade to 40% of annual turnover.
“It is tremendously satisfying to recognise that the rental equipment the Hiretech team designs, manufactures and services in Fintray, Aberdeenshire, has world-wide demand,” founder and chief executive Andy Buchan said.
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