Taunton firm LEW Techniques, a custom manufacturer of precision miniature package components for the mounting and interconnect of specialist semiconductor devices, welcomed Mrs Annie Maw, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset and 130 staff, family and friends to an open evening and party at LEW Techniques to receive the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, 2016 in International Trade, the UK’s highest accolade for business success.

Mrs Maw described what LEW does here in Somerset as “magic in our midst”, having learned during the evening about how the firm manufactures its high-precision, high-tech miniature components.

Andrew Walker, Technical Director of LEW, said “Our Queens Award, for International Trade, is recognition of the talent, expertise, hard work and dedication of all the staff in the company.

“The specific award is for exceptional growth over a 3-year period during which we successfully increased our exports by more than 60%, with our largest export market being China and other parts of Asia, followed closely by Germany and France. We have grown these markets sometimes by luck and chance but mostly by the determination to succeed and prosper. And we have been successful where many others have faltered, continuing to manufacture highly technical components here in the UK.

“This has been the result of a whole company effort, the high level of commitment and enthusiasm that everyone puts in week in, week out makes this company a truly nice place to work.”

“We have not been resting on our laurels. We have continued to grow and have expanded our staff by more than 50%, with strong export growth continuing across the globe in all markets. Perhaps we’ll be back here again in a year or two with another award!”

“This award is all the more welcome, coming as it does in the firm’s 50^th year of trading.”

Photo : Andrew Walker, Carol Walker, Elaine Moll of LEW Techniques, Mrs Annie Maw (seated) HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset.