Globaltraded.com, London — AIS is delighted to announce its sixth Award for Enterprise in the King’s Awards, previously known as the Queen’s Awards, receiving the International Trade Award 2023 for its outstanding export success over a three-year period. This accolade reaffirms AIS’s position as a global leader in engineering, manufacturing, and application of insulation and passive fire protection systems, as well as buoyancy and SURF (subsea, umbilicals, risers, and flowlines) products. The company’s advanced materials deliver mission-critical solutions for the energy, industrial, automotive, chemical, and marine sectors.
Since its inception, AIS has registered over 100 patents for innovative solutions tailored to benefit its customers. The company’s dedication to innovation is mirrored by its workforce of over 650 employees, each committed to driving the business forward. Operating across 13 locations globally, with its headquarters in the UK, AIS is strategically positioned to serve clients worldwide.
AIS’s evolution from a small enterprise with fewer than ten employees to a global business with a significant presence is a testament to its strategic vision and relentless pursuit of excellence. The prestigious King’s Awards ceremony, which highlighted the best of UK manufacturing, marked AIS’s success in the Export category as immensely rewarding.
Regional winners from across the UK gathered for the sold-out event, hosted by comedian Fred MacAulay at the Titanic Hotel in Liverpool. Reflecting on AIS’s achievements, Insider Media remarked on why AIS was selected as the national winner:
“Last year, the company focused on two key export markets: Brazil and China. The judges noted that not only did it overcome the challenges posed by Covid, but it also grew the export side of the business by more than 30 percent, making AIS the standout exporter this year.”
During the judging period, AIS’s teams went to great lengths to ensure the successful export of its products, making the award a testament to the hard work of everyone involved. Such recognition reinforces AIS’s global reach and is fitting as the company looks to increase its export numbers again in 2023.
AIS was awarded the International Trade Award in recognition of its outstanding growth in overseas sales in key markets including China, Brazil, the United States, Malaysia, and Ghana. The company identified export growth as the best strategy to diversify its portfolio, strengthening its position in various regions and providing security in an uncertain market caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Richard Graham, Conservative MP for Gloucester, expressed his delight:
“I’m absolutely thrilled at AIS’s success in the first King’s Awards for Enterprise. Recognizing their export achievements across four continents, including markets to which I am the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, demonstrates that neither Brexit nor COVID-19 can prevent great Gloucester businesses from thriving. The AIS team deserves immense credit for this recognition.”
The figures validate AIS’s decision to focus on export ambitions. For instance, export revenue to China increased from £0 in FY 2019 to approximately £8.5 million in FY 2021. Similarly, despite numerous challenges, focusing on Brazil saw revenues rise from £0.5 million in FY 2019 to £3.2 million in FY 2021, justifying the company’s ambitions.
“Receiving the King’s Award for International Trade is a great honor,” said Managing Director Andrew Bennion. “It is a testament to our export strategy, which saw us emerge from the pandemic stronger than ever. Our investments in products and people have significantly contributed to our success.”
Overseas sales increased by 70.25% over three years, despite travel restrictions during the pandemic. AIS’s versatile team found innovative solutions, including remote training and supervision, to develop its export markets.
“AIS has made tremendous efforts to expand our services globally, aligning us with our customers in key locations,” said Asaf Hisherik, Director of Business Development for the Energy Division. “Our export strategy, combined with the development of local teams, allows us to be cost-competitive and responsive while maintaining the excellent quality our customers expect.”
Recognition from His Majesty King Charles III caps an exciting year for AIS, following the acquisition of subsea specialist CRP Subsea in 2022. The award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at AIS, both in the UK and internationally.
