Winners | The King's Award for Enterprise
Axminster Tools has been honoured with the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. The awards celebrate the success of exciting and innovative businesses who are leading the way with pioneering products or services.
The King’s Award for Enterprise
Previously known as The Queen’s Award for Enterprise, The King’s Award for Enterprise reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country. Successful businesses are able to use the esteemed King’s Award Emblem for the next five years.
UJK and Parf
The King’s Award for Enterprise was awarded to Axminster Tools for our own brand UJK Parf Mk II Guide System. Based on Pythagoras' theorem, the UJK Parf Mk II Guide System was developed in collaboration with Master Craftsman, Peter Parfitt. Peter approached us with his idea for a versatile jig system for building custom bench tops, portable cutting boards and replacement MFT tops.
We worked with Peter to develop his idea. After many months of prototyping and testing, we produced a system that guarantees accuracy and eliminates any chance of cumulative error. The accuracy of the system is dependent on the very tight tolerances. This is achieved with high quality engineering and the use of the very best materials.
I am so grateful that Axminster Tools had the courage to take my design ideas and turn them into a super product that sells all over the world. This is a wonderful achievement that reflects the strength of our partnership.
Peter Parfitt
Distinctly innovative
The UJK Parf Mk II Guide System has been developed under the UJK brand. With a focus on British manufacturing, the vast majority of UJK products are proudly designed, developed and manufactured here in Axminster, Devon. Precisely engineered with jaw-dropping accuracy, the beauty is truly in the detail when it comes to this range.
Performance meets precision
UJK is disrupting the joinery market and leading the way in woodworking innovation.
Investing in the future
Last year we celebrated 50 years of trading. While it's important to celebrate our past and remember how far we've come, it's vital we invest in the future. Manufacturing at Axminster Tools has recently undergone significant investment, meaning we can manufacture more products in-house than ever before. Including the award winning UJK Parf Mk II Guide System.
We are delighted to receive the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. Whilst we source products from across the UK and all over the world, we take particular pride in the manufacture of a growing range of our own products in Axminster, Devon.
As a British retailer, we're proud to support British design, quality and innovation and we’re thrilled to have been recognised in this category. It’s a wonderful achievement and a testament to the resilience of the company and our employees through these unprecedented times.
Alan Styles (Managing Director, Axminster Tools)
The award presentation
A Grant of Appointment and trophy will be presented at the Axminster Tools headquarters by His Majesty The King’s personal representative the Lord-Lieutenant, later this year.
Applications for King’s Awards for Enterprise 2024 open on His Majesty The King’s Coronation, 6th May 2023. For more information, visit gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.
