Aquapac has won a 2012 Queen’s Award for International Trade presented in recognition of its success in international markets for the third time since its founding in 1983.
In the last three years Aquapac has enjoyed a 40 percent growth in exports. Today, 75 percent of the company’s sales are outside the United Kingdom. The largest territory last year was the United States, making up 29 percent of total sales, with the United Kingdom coming in at second place at 16 percent. All told, Aquapac has sold product in 61 countries in the past three years.
The highest official United Kingdom awards for British businesses, the Queen’s Awards were announced on April 21, Queen Elizabeth II’s birthday. A formal presentation of the awards will be conducted later this summer.
Aquapac, a member of the Outdoor Industry Association, produces waterproof, use-through cases that create a virtual second skin for personal electronics, photography equipment, maps, documents and other essential items. More than 90 percent of Aquapac’s products are made in London the remainder sourced from China and Taiwan.
“It’s both humbling and gratifying to be recognized with such an esteemed award for our pursuit of expanding global sales,” said Aquapac CEO Tim Turnbull. “We’ve created unique partnerships with organizations like the Japanese and Korean Coast Guards and brands like Motorola, Timberland, Jaguar and Sony Central Europe. This recognition helps cement in our minds that we’re undertaking the right course.”
Norman Wick, of Sony Central & Southeast Europe, was among the first to congratulate Aquapac.
“We enjoyed working with Aquapac on a successful business partnership in summer 2011. They pushed the boat out to get a large order made during their busiest months. We congratulate Aquapac and we are delighted to have played a part in their winning of this prestigious award,” said Wick.
Aquapac is preparing for a busy summer season, and will display its product line at the Outdoor Friedrichshafen show in Germany in July and the Outdoor Retailer Show in Utah in August. Aquapac will also attend ISPO Munich early in 2013.
