Bowers and Jones invested £500,000 in a new vertical turning centre to support growth of the businessBowers & Jones, 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 the King's Award for Enterprise in the international trade category.
The award recognised the company’s significant growth in exports with 80% of its sales now coming from overseas. The King’s Awards for Enterprise is the top UK award that British businesses can achieve, with award winners 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 overcoming significant challenges such as Covid-19 and relocating to Bilston during the lockdown. Under their stewardship, the company has more than doubled its turnover and serves more than 300 customers across the UK, North America, Europe and beyond.
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.”
Significant achievementJohn Wood, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, said: “This recognition marks a significant achievement for Bowers & Jones. Its 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 her 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.