The JD Hughes Group of Bredbury, Stockport has received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2012 – Continuous Achievement. It is the second time the Company has received a Queen’s Award and recognises an increase in exports of more than 200% over the previous six years.
The Grant of Appointment was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, Mr. Warren J. Smith KStJ JP DLitt LLD at a ceremony in the company’s new Operations Centre in Bredbury, Stockport. Also present were the Mayor of Stockport, Councillor Wendy Meikle, Hazel Grove MP the Rt. Hon. Andrew Stunell and local Councillors.
The presentation in front of staff and guests followed a tour of the new facilities where visitors saw the organization and production planning that has helped Hughes achieve record exports.
Thanking the Lord Lieutenant on behalf of the entire workforce, Tony Hughes, the Group’s Managing Director, emphasized the important contribution being made by small and medium size businesses to the economic recovery. He also considered some of the challenges companies face.
“Two years ago, we made ambitious forecasts for our business and we subsequently met all our targets. Promises of financial support for our export lead growth plans failed to materialize, leaving us in a difficult situation. Clearly like everyone else, we were feeling the impact of the global financial crisis. With such ambitious plans and a strong track record of always meeting it was particularly frustrating and, at times, made us feel we were trying to run with a ball and chain round our leg.”
“Thankfully however with help from contacts made in Government and the continued support of our Relationship manager within the bank, once again we have the full support we need for the future and the vital backing to meet our targets for 2013 and beyond. Manufacturing and exporting businesses like ours need the continuing support of Government and financial institutions so that we can play our part in getting the country back on its feet.”
