When Keltic Seafare received a Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade earlier this year, it marked 21 years of effort by founders Lawrence and Marion Watkins and their staff, to grow the company into Scotland’s No. 1 Live Shellfish Supplier, with a turnover in excess of GBP 5 million (USD 8 million, EUR 5.8 million) last year.
The Queen’s Awards are the U.K.’s most prestigious business awards, designed to recognize and encourage achievements in three categories: innovation, international trade and sustainable development. The selection process is tough and exacting.
For the international trade award, Keltic Seafare needed to show that the business had achieved
substantial growth in their overseas earnings and that they were commercially successful for their size and sector.
In addition, the company had to provide assurances of responsible conduct in managing their impact on society and the environment, in the selection and control of suppliers, management of the production process and excellence in human resources and customer service.
“Our export sales have increased by 1,633 percent over the past six years,” explained Laurie Watkins. “Around 60 percent of our products go to Europe, especially to France, but we also export to Spain, Norway, Belgium, Switzerland and even to Singapore. In the U.K. we sell to top end restaurants, whose chefs appreciate the quality and freshness of our products, and we also have a growing mail order business.”
Keltic Seafare specializes in live products, including hand-dived scallops, creel-caught langoustine, lobsters and crab, and wild salmon.
“We purchase from more than 70 small boats working off the north and west coasts of Scotland and the fishermen strive to bring us the best the seas can offer, whatever the weather. In turn, we aim to get it to our customers within 24 hours,” explained sales manager Kat Rhodes.
The company has live storage tanks at its Scottish Highland base to ensure products leave the factory in prime condition, and it is close to fast chilled transport routes to Europe and further afield.
“Our aim for the near future is to develop a greater share of the European premium shellfish market by continuing to offer exceptional product quality, personal service, and consideration for the local fishing industry. We already supply Michelin Star restaurants and luxury hotels such as the Ritz, the Dorchester in London and Le Meurice in Paris, and are increasing our marketing efforts to expand our reach,” said Kat Rhodes.
Following a reception last month at Buckingham Palace hosted by Her Majesty The Queen for representatives of winning businesses in 2013, Keltic Seafare was thrilled to learn that Princess Anne, Princess Royal, was to personally present the award to them at their factory in October.
“We were really pleased to gain a Queen’s Award but know we couldn’t have done it without the help of so many different people, from the loyal fishermen with whom we have forged excellent relationships, though to office and factory staff and delivery drivers,” said Kat Rhodes. “Visiting Buckingham Palace to meet the Queen and welcoming the Princess Royal here, made the whole thing extra special.”
Kat encourages other companies to enter for an award, which has resulted in unparalleled good publicity for her company and wider recognition of their products. “It demonstrates to people that we run a successful business and helps to build trust,” she said.
Awards are valid for five years and holders may fly the Queen’s Award flag at their premises and use the Queen’s Award Emblem on their stationery, advertising and goods.
