A BUSINESS is celebrating after receiving a Queen's Award.

Robert Welch Designs, based in Chipping Campden, has secured the award for Enterprise in Innovation over their Signature 8 Piece Knife Block.

The cutlery designer was founded in 1955 in a disused silk mill where the company is still based, but their products are now sold across the country.

The business was set up by Robert Welch and he ran it until his death in 2000 before his children Rupert Welch and Alice Welch took over.

Design director, Paul deBretton Gordon said: "This award especially recognises the hugely talented team here at Robert Welch and to be part of an elite group of Queen’s Award winners for a second year running is a real honour and brings a sense of pride to everyone involved.

"As a brand we had been predominantly known for our cutlery products, so developing a knife storage solution together with integrated sharpening options, presented a substantial challenge to the business.

"Equally, we recognised a significant gap in the market versus traditional wooden knife blocks.

"This is what the innovation award really stands for.

"It underscores the whole DNA of the company and just how much care is taken in designing and developing products that are not just aesthetically appealing, but can also provide greatly improved functionality."

Today Robert Welch employs over 70 people, with two studio shops, one on Chipping Campden High Street and one in Bath city centre.

Rupert Welch said: "Keeping design in Chipping Campden was a crucial part of the plan.”

"Having the physical connection with the same building where the company started is immensely important to us as a business and as a family, as well as working with like-minded retailers who really understand our brand."

Ms Welch, deputy managing director added: "Last year we were privileged to receive a visit from HRH the Princess Royal who presented us with our Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

"This allowed us to invite suppliers and retailers from all around the world for a special celebration here in Chipping Campden; as a result we feel our relationships with these partners have never been stronger.”