UKFT members Celtic & Co, ACS Clothing and Green Sheep Group have all been recognised in the first King’s Awards for Enterprise, which was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

The awards celebrate UK businesses, recognising brands and companies for their “outstanding achievement” in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, or promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

Celtic & Co. was founded in 1990 by husband and wife Nick & Kath Whitworth in Newquay, Cornwall. Starting off as a small two-person company in the South West of Britain, Celtic & Co. now employs over 40 people and offers sustainably produced and eco-friendly products that are sold across the globe.

Zoe Bray, managing director at Celtic & Co., said: “Being awarded one of the first King’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade is a real honour for the whole team at Celtic & Co.

“Having won two Queen’s Awards previously in the category in 2018 and 2020, we know what positive impact the accolade has on the way our customers, particularly in the US and Australia, perceive our brand due to the connection with the Royal Family, as well as the recognised mark of high quality.”

The awards also recognised ACS Clothing, which specialises in rental and resale fashion fulfilment, for its outstanding achievement in Sustainable Development.

ACS was established in 1997 and for 25 years has specialised in rental fulfilment and clothing renewal. In recent years, the business has evolved and expanded from the traditional men’s formal hire market into new markets within the fashion industry. Today ACS works with many of Europe’s top brands and major retailers to deliver a comprehensive rental, subscription and resale fulfilment service, enabling the industry’s shift towards access over ownership.

Andrew Rough, Chief Executive Officer of ACS, said: “Being recognised for our commitment to sustainable development through the King’s Awards for Enterprise is truly humbling. For 25 years, we’ve specialised in rental fulfilment and clothing renewal, working towards the clear strategic objective of creating one of Europe’s largest circular fashion solutions providers specialising in clothing rental and resale.

“The illustrious accolade not only recognises the impressive progress we have made, but also reflects the commitment and dedication of our employees. This is something that we are particularly proud of.”

Based in Stratford-upon-Avon, Green Sheep Group comprises The Little Green Sheep offering organic, natural mattresses for cribs, cots and moses baskets, as well as natural cotton sleepwear, and Snüz, home to the multi award-winning SnüzPod bedside crib.

“We are absolutely delighted to be recognised with this prestigious award specifically for our endeavours in International Trade,” said Green Sheep Group CEO Roger Allen. “When we started out, we were solely a UK-based company with just UK customers. However, as our product range grew and we launched new innovations, the opportunity for international expansion was evident and six years on, we have grown from selling to retailers in six countries, to selling on a wholesale basis to retailers in 30 countries. Adding in direct consumer customers, we now export to 45 countries around the world.

Adam Mansell, CEO of UKFT, said: “We are delighted that Celtic & Co, ACS Clothing and Green Sheep Group have been recognised in these prestigious awards, joining many other UKFT members including men’s swimwear brand Boardies, Nottingham-based knitted lace manufacturer GH Hurt & Son and wool and cashmere specialist Johnstons of Elgin, in recent years.”

The award programme, now in its 57th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, celebrating the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services.

Visit the ACS Clothing Website

Visit the Celtic & Co Website

Visit the Green Sheep Group website

Celtic & Co and ACS Clothing are UKFT members. Interested in UKFT membership? Find out more here.