Leeds-based luxury-bed maker Harrison Spinks has been recognised with two Queen’s Awards (one for innovation and one for international trade); it is one of only eight companies to receive more than one award this year (www.harrisonspinks.co.uk).

The company previously received two Queen’s Awards in 2013 (for innovation and for sustainable development). It employs 600 people in Leeds, and all of its products are made in Yorkshire.

Managing director Simon Spinks said: “To be granted two more Queen’s Awards is a huge honour; it reflects the hard work and dedication of the whole Harrison Spinks team.

"As a proud British manufacturer, we’re pleased that our place in the international market has been acknowledged by the Queen’s Award for international trade.

“We feel that our British values of innovation and quality have set us up for success in the global market-place.

“Since the company was established in 1840, we have always strived to go about our business in a slightly different way, whether that be creating new ways to manufacture springs or growing our own natural fillings.”

The 2018 Queen’s Award for innovation was for the company’s development of novel manufacturing processes for sprung mattresses.

It has reduced the diameter of the wire used for the springs by 30% (to 0.7mm) and has developed a unique grade of steel in partnership with British Steel, it, along with a refined drawing process to produce the wire.

It has also developed patented spring-making machines that work at five times the speed of traditional machinery.
The Queen’s Award for international trade followed a 296% increase in exports.

Harrison Spinks trades in over 50 countries, with joint ventures in the USA and China, and exports currently account for 25% of the its sales.