Royal praise for supplier of world's restoration tools

Chichester-based Willard Conservation won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2016 for International Trade earlier this year.

The company was presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise at a private reception held at Pallant House Gallery in North Pallant in Chichester.

The Lord Lieutenant of West Sussex, Susan Pyper, presented the award on behalf of The Queen to managing director Paul Willard.

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is recognised as being the UK’s highest accolade for business success, the company says.

Willard Conservation were named as a winner of the 2016 Awards in recognition of their increased export sales over recent years which this year alone represent more than 70 per cent of the company’s annual sales and include exports to Qatar, China, Australia, Latvia, Germany, Austria, the USA and Dubai.

The company manufactures a wide range of unique tools and equipment used by conservation specialists to preserve and restore some of the world’s most famous and priceless art treasures.

Paul Willard said, “Everyone at Willard Conservation is immensely proud and honoured to receive this award, which is testament to the continued hard work and dedication of everyone working for the business.

“We have all worked hard to continue the development of an extensive range of products and services, which further enhance our reputation for high quality and long-lasting craftsmanship.

“This award comes at a really exciting time for our business, as we look to the future and the continued growth of our product portfolio.”