Cokebusters Receives Double King’s Award from Lord-lieutenant of Clywd

Yesterday we welcomed the King’s Royal Representative, Lord-lieutenant of Clywd Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE LL, to our Chester premises where he presented us with two King’s Awards for Innovation and for International Trade.

Also in attendance was Andrew Scutter representing the Energy Industries Council as well as Matt and Joe on behalf of the West Cheshire & North Wales Chamber of Commerce.

The King’s Award is the UK’s most prestigious business award scheme.  It was established in 1965 by HM Queen Elizabeth to recognise and celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services.  The rigorous selection process ensures that these awards are only granted to businesses which maintain the highest standards of propriety, so we are honoured to be the only company in Wales to receive two King’s Awards this year!

The Lord-lieutenant and other guests arrived at our Technology Centre on the Airbus/Chester Airport estate in Hawarden at 2pm, when they were given a tour of the premises by Cokebusters Chairman John Phipps MBE, Director of Operations Charles Bushnell and Director of Marketing Victoria Phipps.  The group toured our recently renovated pre-war office and workshop buildings, as well as our new machine manufacturing workshop.  During this time they learned about in-house our design and build processes for both our patented scraper pigs and our specialist Double Pumping Units.

The tour was concluded with a short presentation of our patented pipeline inspection tooling, when Global Technical & Training Manager Joe Walsh explained the specialist service our “smart pigs” enable Cokebusters to deliver mechanical cleaning and inspection services to improve process efficiency for clients in various energy sectors from oil and gas to renewables.  Joe described the evolution of our inspection technology, from its early days as a stainless steel twin-bodied prototype to our latest titanium invention which has earned a reputation as “the smallest intelligent pig in the world.”

The entire staff then gathered in the hub as John accepted the two King’s Awards from the LL on all their behalf.  The team celebrated alongside guests with a cup of tea and a slice of “King’s Award” themed cake!  The Lord-lieutenant took the time to speak to each member of the team individually and learn more about the role they play in the business.

“The innovation and technology coming out of the company is truly inspiring.  Speaking to the various team members, there is a positive spirit evident amongst the workforce.  It’s clear to me they all very much enjoy what they do.”
– Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE LL

Once again the company would like to thank every single member of our team for all their efforts to propel the company forward each and every day.

“Operating from this small corner of North Wales, the company has always punched above its weight exporting its patented services to energy industry clients in all corners of the globe. It’s such a fantastic honour to receive these Royal awards in the two areas of our business which are integral to who we are and what we do; international trade and innovation.”
– John Phipps