Fourth-generation, local, family business Gretna Green Ltd was presented the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the category for ‘International Trade for outstanding growth in overseas sales’ today (Thursday, 10 June 2021) by Dumfries Lord-Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong.
Gretna Green Ltd, founded in 1885, is an internationally recognised, global visitor destination and brand which alongside its ecommerce platform, Gretna Green Online Shopping, exports a range of categories of Scottish and UK products – from Scottish food, cashmere, gifts, clothing, clan and highland wear, to top British brands, and a growing range of own-brand gifts associated with the love and romance of Gretna Green – to over 55 countries worldwide.
Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Ms Fiona Armstrong said: “On behalf of Her Majesty, I am delighted to present this prestigious award to one of Dumfries and Galloway’s most well-known businesses.
“Gretna Green is an iconic site. The company employs hundreds of local people and has helped to put this part of Dumfries and Galloway firmly on the tourist map.”
Mr Alasdair Houston is chairman of Gretna Green Ltd, he said: “This prestigious award belongs to all my colleagues at all levels and in all divisions in our family business whose talents, commitment and loyalty I appreciate and for which I am grateful every day.
“I love Gretna Green, and Dumfries and Galloway, and I thank all of our customers, at home and overseas, for supporting the quality brand of ‘Gretna Green.”
Civic head for Dumfries and Galloway Council, Councillor Rob Davidson said: “I am delighted that businesses in our region are being recognised by the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
“I congratulate all of the staff of Gretna Green Ltd in winning this most prestigious award, during which we have been we have experienced a Covid pandemic, and the most difficult trading conditions for businesses.”
1. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK business, designed to recognise and encourage outstanding achievements in the fields of Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility). The Queen’s Awards scheme was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965 and the first awards were made in 1966.
2. This year, 205 UK businesses have been recognised for their contribution to international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility)
3. This year’s awards were announced on 29 April 2021 – and the presentation of the award to Gretna Green Ltd takes place on Thursday, 10 June 2021 at 10.30am at Gretna Green Visitor Centre – presented by Dumfries Lord-Lieutenant Fiona Armstrong.
