8 January 2025
Williams Jet Tenders, the world’s leading jet tender specialist, proudly celebrated being presented with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category. The award was formally presented by Mrs Marjorie Glasgow BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire, during a special ceremony held at the company’s headquarters on Wednesday 18th December.
The day commenced with a guided tour of Williams Jet Tenders’ state-of-the-art facilities led by the company's co-founders and brothers, Mathew and John Hornsby. Mrs Glasgow enjoyed an in-depth look into the craftsmanship and innovation driving Williams Jet Tenders' success. Following the tour, Mrs Glasgow presented the award and engaged with several of the company’s longest-serving team members, celebrating their commitment to the brand’s legacy.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, considered the UK’s most prestigious accolade for businesses excelling in sectors such as innovation and international trade, recognise achievements that reflect the highest standards of enterprise and ethical business practice. These awards, instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965, serve as a mark of distinction for organisations driving progress and economic growth both domestically and internationally.
Williams Jet Tenders is one of only 252 UK organisations to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in 2024, in recognition of the company’s remarkable success in exporting jet tenders around the globe. This accolade underscores Williams Jet Tenders’ role in promoting British craftsmanship and innovation on an international scale, boosting the UK’s standing as a global hub for excellence in manufacturing and trade.
Following the presentation, John and Mathew Hornsby expressed their gratitude: “It’s an incredible honour to have received the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and today’s ceremony was a testament to the dedication of our entire team, whose expertise and passion bring British ingenuity to the forefront of the global marine industry. As we celebrate our 20th anniversary in 2024, this recognition inspires us to continue reaching new heights.”
“It is a great privilege to present the King’s Award for Enterprise to Williams Jet Tenders, a company that embodies the spirit of British craftsmanship and global ambition,” said Mrs Glasgow, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire. “Williams Jet Tenders has demonstrated extraordinary vision and dedication, not only in advancing the marine industry but also in championing British innovation on the international stage. Its success reflects the values and resilience that the King’s Awards celebrate—upholding excellence and driving economic growth through ethical enterprise. I congratulate Williams Jet Tenders and its entire team on this well-deserved honour.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise (previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise), were renamed last year to honour His Majesty The King’s commitment to continuing the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II in recognising outstanding UK businesses. Now in its 58th year, the programme continues to celebrate businesses that represent the best of British enterprise.