An engineering company in Simonstone is “extremely proud” to have been recognised with a King’s Award.

Fort Vale, based at the Calder Vale Park complex on Simonstone Lane, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Fort Vale is one of only a small number of national organisations to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

It is the fifth time the firm has been recognised in this manner, having been given four Queen's Awards, as it was formerly known, since the company's founding in 1967.

Employing more than 360 people, Fort Vale is a leading designer and manufacturer of equipment for the safe transport of bulk liquids, powders and gases.

Graham Blanchard, Fort Vales' global sales and marketing director, said: “Fort Vale is extremely proud to be recognised with our first King's Award.

“As a family company based in the UK, with roots firmly in Lancashire, it is fantastic for us to see our products being sold and used all over the world.

“Hard work, dedication and innovation - coupling those core values with our industry-leading safety, precision and quality has helped us to succeed for more than 50 years.

“The King’s Award is great recognition for all our hard-working and dedicated employees”.

Burnley-based AMS Neve, which crafts sound recording equipment for film, music and television, has also been recognised with the award.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year in order to reflect the King’s desire to continue the legacy of the Queen by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the King’s Awards emblem for the next five years.

Businesses that get the award will be:

  • invited to a royal reception
  • presented with the award at your company by one of the King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
  • able to fly The King’s Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials (for example, on your packaging, advertisements, stationery and website)
  • given a grant of appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy