AIS is delighted to win its sixth Award for Enterprise in the King's Awards, previously known as the Queen's Awards. The company obtained the International Trade Award 2023 for its export success over a three-year period.

A global leader in the engineering, manufacture and application of insulation and passive fire protection systems, buoyancy, and SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers and flowlines) products, AIS obtained the International Trade Award for its outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales in key markets including China, Brazil, the United States, Malaysia and Ghana.

The company identified export growth as the best chance of diversifying its portfolio, a strategy that has strengthened its position in different regions and added security in an uncertain market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Richard Graham, Conservative MP for Gloucester said,

"I'm absolutely delighted at AIS's success at the first King's Awards for Enterprise – recognising their export achievements on four continents including markets to which I'm the Prime Minister's Trade Envoy. This shows that neither Brexit nor COVID-19 prevent great Gloucester businesses from growth and the AIS team deserves great credit for this recognition."

The figures validate the decision to focus on export ambitions and show an increase in export revenue to China from £0 (FY 2019) to approximately £8.5m (FY 2021). Focusing on growing its export business to Brazil came with numerous challenges regardless of the pandemic, but with figures rising from £0.5m (FY 2019) to £3.2m (FY 2021), the company's ambitions were justified.

"To receive the King's Award for International Trade is a great honour,"

says Managing Director, Andrew Bennion.

"It is a testament to our export strategy that saw us emerge from the challenges of the pandemic stronger than ever. We also understand the importance of investing in our products and people, and I believe this focus has contributed significantly to our success."

Overseas sales increased by 70.25% over three years, despite travel restrictions during the pandemic. The flexible team at AIS found a solution that included remote training and supervision to develop its export markets.

"AIS has made huge efforts to develop our services globally, allowing us to align with our customers in key locations,"

said Director of Business Development - Energy Division, Asaf Hisherik.

"Our export strategy, together with the development of local teams, allows us to be cost-competitive and responsive, whilst maintaining the excellent quality our customers expect from us."

Recognition from His Majesty King Charles III is the culmination of an exciting year for the company, having acquired subsea specialist CRP Subsea in 2022.

AIS is thrilled to receive the King's Award for International Trade. It is a testament to the hard work of everyone at the company, both in the UK and internationally.

The King's Awards

The King's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise. The Awards recognise and celebrate business excellence in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

Awardees receive a Grant of Appointment and a trophy presented by one of HM Lord-Lieutenants and are able to display the Award Emblem for up five years. They also have access to a thriving alumni network of previous award winners.

Recipients of the Award often state that their achievement has opened new doors for them in terms of securing new contracts, venturing into new markets, and further developing their business.

For further information visit: www.aisltd.com