brasher is one of Pentland Group's brands
Two outdoor gear firms have been honoured in the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The Pentland Group, which owns the Berghaus and brasher brands, won an award for international trade, as did Regatta, the Greater Manchester company that produces a range of value outdoor wear.
The awards are made to mark substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success.
Winners are invited to meet the Queen at a reception in Buckingham Palace.
The Pentland Group came into existence in 1964 and now has 15 brands including brasher, with its range of walking boots and footwear, and Berghaus, whose chairman is elder statesman of mountaineering Sir Chris Bonington.
Announcing the group’s win, Queen’s Award organisers said: “It invests heavily in market research and a lot of its business is conducted on the internet, together with regular attendance at trade fairs and conferences.
“Its sales portfolio extends to 190 countries, with the US topping their wholesale sales at 25.6 per cent and new markets last year accounting for 4.5 per cent of overseas sales.
“Pentland Group continually evaluates its market position and works to rejuvenate its brands.
“In addition, it invests in technological improvements and in the creation of technologically innovative brands to help keep them at the forefront of the market place.”
Urmston-based Regatta was founded more than 80 years ago and makes jackets, fleece, softshell, shirts, trousers, footwear, accessories and rucksacks for men, women and children with an emphasis on value for money.
Award organisers said: “Regatta, winner of a Queen’s Award in International Trade for 2012, has illustrated an increase in its overseas sales by 66 per cent over the last three years.
“The company produces quality outdoor Regatta clothing, footwear and accessories and Dare2b snow and cycle clothing and accessories.
“Exporting to over 54 countries and with offices across the world, 75 per cent of the company’s export business is from within the EU, the company’s main sales focus.
“The company’s key strategies have been to reinforce its position as the largest UK outdoor brand and to establish Regatta and Dare2b in the top five brands in Europe.
“These strategies have been achieved through good relationships with key accounts, close partnerships with factories in China and Bangladesh, customer service as a priority, strong product development, extensive IT links and bespoke marketing solutions.”
