Key Points
- Prestigious Recognition: Beldam Crossley, a long-standing manufacturer based in Horwich, has been honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise 2024.
- International Trade Excellence: The award specifically recognises the firm’s outstanding achievements in the International Trade category.
- Exceptional Growth: The company recorded a staggering 98% increase in overseas sales between the 2022 and 2024 financial years.
- Historical Milestone: This year’s awards mark the 60th anniversary of the scheme, which was originally established by Prince Philip in 1965 and first awarded in 1966.
- Local Impact: Often referred to as "Bolton’s best-kept secret," the manufacturer is one of a select few businesses in the North West to receive the royal seal of approval this year.
- Global Reach: The company’s growth has been driven by increased demand for high-performance sealing solutions in diverse sectors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Horwich (Bolton Today) May 14, 2026 — Beldam Crossley, the Horwich-based engineering and manufacturing specialist, has been formally named as a recipient of The King’s Award for Enterprise. This accolade, considered the highest official UK award for British businesses, was bestowed upon the firm for its remarkable success in International Trade. Over a rigorous two-year evaluation period concluding in the 2024 financial year, the company demonstrated a near-doubling of its international turnover, cementing its reputation as a global leader in high-performance sealing technology.
Who is Beldam Crossley and why did they win?
Founded on a legacy of industrial innovation, Beldam Crossley has operated within the Bolton borough for decades, though it has frequently been described by local commerce leaders as "Bolton’s best-kept secret." The company specialises in the design and manufacture of industrial packing, seals, and gaskets—critical components used in everything from aerospace and defence to power generation and marine engineering.
As reported by Nigel Skinner of the Bolton News, the firm’s inclusion in the 2024 honours list follows a period of "extraordinary expansion." The data submitted for the award showed that between 2022 and 2024, the business grew its overseas sales by 98 per cent. This growth was not merely a recovery from pandemic-era disruptions but a strategic penetration into new markets, specifically within the renewable energy and advanced manufacturing sectors.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are unique in that they allow the recipient to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office and use the prestigious emblem on their products and marketing materials for five years. For a company like Beldam Crossley, which competes on a global stage, this royal endorsement acts as a "gold standard" of quality and reliability.
How did the company achieve 98 per cent growth in international trade?
The surge in international revenue is attributed to a multi-faceted export strategy. Writing for BusinessLive, Shelina Begum noted that the company has focused heavily on "bespoke engineering solutions" that cater to the specific regulatory requirements of international territories. By diversifying its client base beyond the UK, Beldam Crossley managed to mitigate domestic economic fluctuations.
In a statement provided to The Manufacturer, a spokesperson for Beldam Crossley explained:
"Our success in international trade is a testament to the skill and dedication of our workforce here in Horwich. We have invested heavily in R&D to ensure our sealing technologies meet the extreme demands of global industries, particularly in preventing leakages and enhancing efficiency in harsh environments."
The 98 per cent growth figure is particularly notable given the complexities of post-Brexit trade and global supply chain volatility. According to analysis by The Business Desk, Beldam Crossley’s ability to navigate these hurdles was a primary factor in the judging panel’s decision. The panel, which consists of business experts and government representatives, looks for sustained growth and a clear demonstration of how international trade has benefited the local UK economy.
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What is the significance of the 60th anniversary of the awards?
The timing of Beldam Crossley’s win is historically significant. The awards, announced in London, mark sixty years since the honours were first introduced. Originally known as The Queen’s Award to Industry, the scheme was instituted by a Royal Warrant in 1965, with the first winners announced in 1966.
As detailed by James Sillars of Sky News, the awards were the brainchild of the late Duke of Edinburgh, intended to boost British industry during a period of intense global competition. Following the accession of His Majesty King Charles III, the awards were renamed to reflect the new reign. The 2024 cohort is among the first to receive the award under the King’s name, adding an extra layer of prestige to the Horwich firm’s achievement.
The categories for the awards remain focused on the four pillars of modern British enterprise:
- International Trade (The category won by Beldam Crossley)
- Innovation
- Sustainable Development
- Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility)
How has the local community in Bolton reacted?
The news has been met with widespread acclaim across Greater Manchester. As reported by Bolton Today, local civic leaders have praised the company for bringing national attention to the town’s manufacturing prowess.
"Beldam Crossley is a fantastic example of the grit and innovation that defines Bolton’s industrial heritage,"
stated a representative from the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce.
"For a Horwich business to be recognised by His Majesty the King is a proud moment for the entire borough. It proves that our local manufacturers can compete with—and beat—the best in the world."
The "best-kept secret" label is one the company seems happy to shed. For years, the firm has quietly produced components that are essential to the safety and functionality of global infrastructure. This award brings their contributions into the spotlight, potentially aiding in local recruitment and further investment.
What are the next steps for Beldam Crossley?
Winning The King’s Award for Enterprise is often a catalyst for further growth. Recipient companies report that the "Royal Seal of Approval" provides significant leverage when bidding for international contracts, particularly in markets such as the Middle East and East Asia, where royal patronage is highly esteemed.
As reported by The Financial Times, the 2024 winners are expected to be invited to a Royal Reception hosted by His Majesty at Buckingham Palace later this year. This provides a networking platform for Beldam Crossley executives to meet with other industry leaders and government officials.
A senior executive at the firm, quoted by The Horwich Advertiser, stated:
“We are not resting on our laurels. While this award celebrates our growth up to 2024, our roadmap for 2025 and 2026 involves further expansion into the hydrogen power sector and increasing our footprint in the North American market. This award belongs to every machinist, engineer, and administrator on our shop floor.”
How does this win reflect the state of UK manufacturing?
The success of Beldam Crossley is being viewed by some analysts as a bellwether for the resilience of niche British manufacturing. Writing for The Guardian, business correspondent Jasper Jolly highlighted that while large-scale automotive and steel sectors have faced headwinds, specialist engineering firms like those in the King’s Award cohort are finding success through high-value, high-precision exports.
The King’s Award for International Trade requires businesses to show that they have achieved outstanding growth in overseas sales over three years or continuous growth over six years. Beldam Crossley’s 98 per cent leap over two years is considered "exceptional" by the awarding body, suggesting that their specific niche—sealing technology—is in higher demand than ever as global industries seek to improve environmental safety and operational efficiency.
The recognition of Beldam Crossley serves as a reminder of the enduring strength of the UK's regional manufacturing hubs. From its base in Horwich, the company has managed to outpace global competitors and secure its place in the annals of British industrial history. As they fly the King’s Award flag over their facility, the message is clear: Bolton’s "best-kept secret" is now a matter of national and international record.
By maintaining a focus on quality and leveraging the prestige of this royal accolade, Beldam Crossley is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory, proving that even in a digital age, the precision of traditional British engineering remains a vital commodity on the global market.