Black Country firm Bowers & Jones Receives Prestigious King's Award for Enterprise
07 May 2025
Published in: Member News
A Black Country business specialising in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of equipment for the metal forming industry has been named as a recipient of one of the UK's most prestigious accolades, the King's Award for Enterprise.
Bowers & Jones has been awarded the King's Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, recognising their significant growth in exports with 80% of their sales now coming from international markets.
The King's Awards for Enterprise are the highest official UK awards for British businesses, with awardees recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King.
Managing Director Jane Sommerville and Finance Director Nicola Owen, acquired the business in 2020 and successfully navigated significant challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and relocating their premises to Bilston during lockdown. Under their ownership, the company has more than doubled its turnover and serves more than 300 customers across the UK, North America, Europe and beyond.
Bowers & Jones Managing Director Jane Sommerville said: "This award represents a tremendous achievement for our entire business. To receive such prestigious recognition, especially after the challenges we faced since acquiring the business in 2020, is rewarding and a testament to our dedication to excellence in international trade."
Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands John Wood added: "This recognition marks a significant achievement for Bowers & Jones.
“Their journey to achieving The King's Award began when Jane attended a West Midlands Lieutenancy seminar two years ago, igniting her determination to secure the award for the company.
“Bowers & Jones presented a well prepared, compelling submission that stood out among the small number of West Midlands businesses to receive this distinction.
“Congratulations to Bowers & Jones, I look forward to seeing them grow further as they leverage this well-deserved accolade."
Bowers & Jones was one of just a select number of companies to receive the Award in 2025. The business now joins over 8,000 UK enterprises that have received this Royal recognition since the Awards were first created in 1965, then known as The Queen's Award to Industry.
Originally established in 1955, Bowers & Jones has grown to become a world leader in the design, manufacture and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products.
The company specialises in the manufacture of tools used to roll long products such as welded and seamless tube and pipe, steel sections and complex copper extrusions.
More recently, their rolls are being used in the manufacture of non-steel applications including electrical conduction and heating cable.
The King's Award for Enterprise is a globally recognised mark of achievement that celebrates outstanding businesses and rewards challenges overcome. Being a recipient can generate new opportunities for business growth, including access to new clients, markets and investors, as well as the ability to attract and retain a skilled workforce.
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