Member Article

Explosive international growth for Wrexham firm helps it win a prestigious Queen’s Award

A Wrexham-based explosion safety firm has been given the royal seal of approval after winning the highest business accolade in the UK.

ExVeritas has won a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for international trade, with the company experiencing 400 per cent growth in global markets.

The company has also grown 30 per cent year-on-year for eight consecutive years, and increased staff from 14 to 22 in the last 12 months.

ExVeritas has opened offices in the USA, Singapore, and Denmark, as well as new training centres in Malta and Ireland.

And it’s the second time founders Sean Clarke and Stephen D’Henin have scooped a Queen’s Award. The entrepreneurial duo received one with their previous firm Epsilon, which they sold to a FTSE 100 company in 2008.

Sean, ExVeritas’ managing director, said: “The Queen’s Award will give us even greater exposure internationally. It let’s people know you are the best of the best.

“Some say it’s like a knighthood for businesses, and I wouldn’t disagree. I think our customers will be reassured knowing that they are dealing with one of the leaders in this field.

“The recognition is feedback for the whole team and speaks volumes that our customer-centric approach works. For example, we invested in cloud technology to allow clients to log in and access certificates and view the current status of their jobs.

“It’s this type of transparency that builds strong relationships and leads to success.”

ExVeritas provides product and quality system certification to allow businesses to sell items to companies operating on sites storing or processing potentially explosive materials.

It also offers training for people designing and installing such equipment, with delegates from countries including Brazil, the USA, Australia, and China attending sessions at its training centre on the Wrexham Industrial Estate.

In addition, the business audits and reviews sites including oilrigs, pharmaceutical companies, food manufacturers, and petrochemical processing for explosion and general safety, as well as to check and verify the sites meet safety legislation.

The Queen’s Award is valid for five years and during this time ExVeritas has permission to fly the Queen’s Award flag on its building, as well as include the logo on its marketing material and stationery. Sean and Stephen will receive the award at Buckingham Palace on 28 June.

Following this, the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd, Henry George Fetherstonhaugh, will visit the business’ Wrexham base for a presentation ceremony.

Sean added: “Many of our competitors are £multi-billion organisations and it can be a little bit like David versus Goliath.

“We win a lot of battles because we are a small team and offer a dynamic approach. It’s also clear to see we have valuable expertise within the team, and that they enjoy working here.

“Our staff retention is virtually 100 per cent, and the majority were with us in our previous company.

“It’s the second time winning this award for us and them but it’s just as exciting and we can’t wait to visit Buckingham Palace as well as welcome the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd to our Wrexham headquarters.”

For more information visit www.exveritas.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .