ISLE of Wight business Spinlock is celebrating after winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The Cowes-based designers and makers of rope holding equipment and safety products for leisure and commercial water users have scooped the Innovation accolade in the prestigious awards.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards that celebrate and encourage business excellence.
Winners must have demonstrated outstanding results in their respective fields.
Spinlock has been selected for their Deckvest lifejacket, a revolutionary product that has changed the landscape for safety products used by people on the water.
Spinlock’s James Hall said: “With no significant technical or aesthetic change in lifejackets for over 30 years, we decided to develop the Deckvest — a completely new personal lifejacket that is attractive and comfortable to wear, a revolutionary move and step-change in lifejacket design.”
Spinlock CEO Chris Hill added: “Due to the success and and popularity of the Deckvest, Spinlock has been able to grow exports to 25 countries across the globe, add new market sectors and has seen a 20 per cent increase in employment at our two sites in Cowes.”
The firm previously won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, International Trade in 2016.
Mr Hill added: “The continued success of Spinlock reflects a truly dedicated and talented team. They are a passionate group of individuals who really understand the market; many of them are keen sailors and this unique insight helps them develop and design products that are truly innovative.
The firm will be presented with its award by Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight Maj Gen Martin White, on a date to be confirmed. Representatives from Spinlock will also attend an award winners reception at Buckhingham Palace hosted by the Queen on July 11.