Sunday September 8 2024
Swindon & Wiltshire News
High-end stereo manufacturer Naim Audio has won a Queen’s Award for Innovation, becoming the only Wiltshire firm to be named in the latest batch of Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
Founded in 1973, Naim manufactures high fidelity audio products for domestic use from its Salisbury base. It also produces a stereo system for Bentley cars.
In 2011 Naim announced a merger with French loudspeaker manufacturer Focal-JMLab. The two companies employ 325 people in the UK and France, and have a turnover of £48m.
Naim was one of only 39 recipients of the award across the UK.
Earlier this month the company picked up the awards for Best Design and Product of the Year at the Hi-Fi and High-End Show in Moscow.
Winners of prizes are visited by a royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl to mark their achievement. They will also attend a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace in July.
They can use the Queen’s award emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years, as a symbol of their quality and success.
Managing director Paul Stephenson said: “We are extremely proud of our British design and engineering heritage and very pleased to be representing the ‘Best of British’ industry around the world.
“This is the third time in our history that the Queen’s Award has been conferred upon Naim, and it’s a real motivator. This award recognising our British innovation is truly a great achievement.”
Business secretary Vince Cable said: “Companies that are growing, innovating and championing UK business overseas deserve the recognition that these awards bestow.
“With more than 100 international trade winners this year, it is clear that Britain is emerging as a leader in selling its quality services and products throughout the world.
“The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for business success.”
