Squirrels UK Ltd receives a Queen’s Award for enterprise in international trade

Squirrels UK, part of the Kitwave Wholesale Group has received the prestigious 2016 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade – this was in recognition of achieving outstanding growth in export sales over the last 3 years. The awards are made annually and this year coincide with Her Majesty’s 90th birthday celebrations.

The business started in 1970 from a market stall in Walthamstow, selling branded food products at discount prices. It has successfully grown over the years and since January 2015 has been a part of the ever expanding Kitwave Wholesale Group. Squirrels UK is now one of the leading distributors of food and drink directly into the discount sector.

The company exports a wide range of ambient food products including confectionery, grocery, biscuits and soft drinks with a vision to grow its export sales by a further 50% per year over the next 5 years. Squirrels also export a range of own brand products under the name ‘Thurston’s Fine Foods’ with development led by Managing Director David Yolland supported by Sales Director Nathan Glover.

David on hearing of the award said “Nathan and I are honoured to receive this prestigious award on behalf of everyone in the business as recognition of the effort put in to grow the export business. Without the support of the staff, customers and suppliers working together this would not have been achieved.”

Only 249 Queen’s Awards (QA) have been announced this year for outstanding business achievement in the fields of International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development with winners invited to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace.

The awards are made annually by HM The Queen and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category.

To find out more about The Queen’s Awards visit www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/overview

Notes for Editors
249 Queen’s Awards (QA) have been announced this year for outstanding business achievement in the fields of International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Winners of The Queen’s Awards can expect an invitation to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace.
QA winners can also 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.
The awards are made annually by HM The Queen and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category.
To find out more about next year’s awards visit the Queen’s Award website