Presentation of the Queen’s Award for International Trade, 2018
Name of Company
Scottish Leather Group
Year(s) of Winning
1985, 1996, 2000, 2012 and 2018
Category or Categories
Export Achievement / International Trade (now International Business)
Why did you apply?
We applied because the King’s and formerly Queen’s Awards represent the highest level of independent recognition for business excellence in the UK. For a company with a strong international footprint, the Awards provided a rigorous benchmark against which to test our performance, governance, and long‑term sustainability. They also aligned closely with our ambition to be recognised globally for quality, consistency, and responsible growth.
What benefits have you seen from being a winner, for example customer feedback, marketing materials, sales impact?
Winning a King’s Award has reinforced confidence in our business among international customers, particularly in overseas markets where Royal recognition carries significant weight. It provides powerful third‑party validation of our credibility, operational standards, and long‑term commitment to our customers. The Award crest continues to be used selectively in marketing and customer communications, where it acts as a mark of trust rather than a sales tool. While it is difficult to attribute direct sales impact, the Awards have undoubtedly strengthened relationships, supported long‑term customer retention, and differentiated us in competitive global markets.
What benefits did you see from employee morale and is it still something you tell new staff about?
The Awards have always been a source of pride for our people. They recognise not just commercial success, but the collective effort, skill, and commitment of our workforce over many years. That sense of pride remains important today. We continue to reference our King’s and Queen’s Awards when welcoming new employees, as they form part of our company story and culture. They reinforce the message that we aim to do things properly, to high standards, and that sustained excellence is noticed and valued externally.
What advice can you give to a company thinking of applying?
Treat the application as a discipline in itself. Be rigorous, honest, and evidence‑based. Ensure all data can be independently verified and clearly linked to commercial performance, not just growth for growth’s sake. Focus on what has been delivered, not what is planned, and explain why your achievements matter in the context of your sector. Give credit to the people behind the success and acknowledge any external support that has contributed. Finally, do not undersell your story. The assessors value clarity, credibility, and leadership, and a well‑told story that demonstrates genuine business excellence.