Axminster Tools has been honoured with the first ever King's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category.

The family-owned business is one of 148 organisations to be recognised with the prestigious award. 

The King's Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, with the new name reflecting King Charles' desire to continue the legacy of his mother by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The award programme, now in its 57th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King's Awards Emblem for the next five years. 

Axminster Tools were recognised with The King's Award for Enterprise for their own brand UJK Parf MKII Guide System.

Based on Pythagoras' theorem and developed in collaboration with Master Craftsman, Peter Parfitt, the UJK Parf MKII System helps to produce portable bench tops for woodworkers.  

Last year, Axminster Tools reached 50 years of trading. While celebrating their past, the company invested heavily in their future.

Axminster Tools manufacture an increasing number of own branded products in their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Axminster, including the award winning UJK Parf MKII Guide System. 

Alan Styles, managing director of Axminster Tools, said: "We are delighted to receive the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise. Whilst we source products from across the UK and all over the world, we take particular pride in the manufacture of a growing range of our own products in Axminster.  

"As a British retailer, we're proud to support British design, quality and innovation and we're thrilled to have been recognised in this category. 

"It's a wonderful achievement and a testament to the resilience of the company, our employees and our community through these unprecedented times." 

A Grant of Appointment and trophy will be presented at the Axminster Tools headquarters on the Millwey Rise Industrial Estate by His Majesty The King's personal representative, the Lord-Lieutenant, later this year. 

Applications for The King's Awards for Enterprise 2024 open on His Majesty The King's coronation day, May 6.

For more information, visit www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise