Family firm's global growth scoops award

A FAMILY-OWNED farming business from Somerset has joined a musical instruments company, an eco toilet paper business and an historic attraction to become a South West recipient of this year's King's Awards for Enterprise.

- HANNAH BAKER

The annual awards programme recognise businesses which play a "vital role" in growing the economy to improve lives, with categories including international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Of the 197 UK businesses to win, 17 awards went to businesses in the South West of England.

Based in Exmoor National Park, Shearwell Data Limited, a global supplier of animal identification and livestock management systems has been honoured with a prestigious King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

In the three years to September 2023, its total overseas sales grew by 69% to nearly £7million, representing almost a third of its annual turnover, with plans to further extend its export market reach in coming years. It already exports to 35 countries and employs more than 150 people worldwide, with representatives in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and South Africa.