A FIRM that supplies luxury toiletries to many of the world’s leading hotels has received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

Sysco Guest Supply Europe, based at Calleva Park, in Aldermaston, was presented with the accolade by the Lord-Lieutenant of Berkshire, Mary Bayliss.

She was full of praise for the company which had achieved “exceptional overseas sales growth over the last three years.”

“This prestigious award recognises a broad spectrum of outstanding achievement and your company is one of only four in Berkshire this year to have won this honour – it is a wonderful success for you.” added Mrs Bayliss.

“Success breeds success, and may your business continue to grow.”

At the award ceremony, held in front of staff last Wednesday, managing director Andrew Keating said: “This award is both a great honour and a huge tribute to the Sysco Guest Supply team.

“We have been under intense pressure as the success of the business has accelerated over the last couple of years, and the team has responded magnificently to ensure that our market share continues to grow, and that we offer an exceptional service to our existing customers.

“I am extremely proud that we have been selected for this award, and pay tribute to the hard work of the entire team.”

It is the second time the company has won a Queen’s Award – the last time was in the late 1980s.

Business is going well for the company which actively looks for challenging new markets to sustain its growth in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Mr Keating said: “For the last financial year, we have had a turnover of around £26.5million and probably we are looking in the region of 65 per cent of our business being export.

“That’s changed quite significantly over the last six or seven years, whereas previously there was a reasonably even split.”

Sysco Guest Supply works in collaboration with some of the world’s most prestigious brands such as Bulgari, Salvatore, Ferragamo and Tara Smith, supplying some of the world’s leading hotel chains and independent hotels.

Among the company’s clients are The Park Lane Hotel, in London, along with The Grosvenor Hotel, The Dorchester as well as the Hilton Hotel here in Basingstoke.

Mr Keating and company founder Ken Warton earlier in the year enjoyed a Champagne reception at Buckingham Palace, with fellow award winners.

While there they met The Queen as well as Prince Philip, who certainly left a very favourable impression.

Mr Warton said the Duke of Edinburgh was interested to hear about Sysco’s products for hotel bathrooms and even came up with an innovative idea for waste reduction.

Mr Warton said the Duke was concerned about soap wastage in hotels, but was keeping his suggestions under wraps.

“We were in fits of laughter – we thought what a wonderful-wonderful man – he’s sharp as a pin.”