Bath sexual wellness firm Lovehoney has been officially presented with its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise, which it gained for its contribution to boosting the UK’s international trade.
The firm, which has a global customer base of 2.2m people and a 400-strong workforce, was awarded the accolade in April last year for its outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales over the previous six years. However, due to the pandemic the official presentation was delayed.
That has now been rectified, with Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset Annie Maw handing over the coveted crystal chalice and scroll to Lovehoney group chief operating officer Debbie Bond at a ceremony at the firm’s headquarters in Locksbrook Road, pictured.
Coveted Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are given to businesses that excel at international trade, innovation or sustainability. They are the highest official UK awards for British businesses.
Since its launch in 2002, Lovehoney has grown to become the UK’s biggest online adult retailer. Having entered overseas markets, it now has eight websites across the globe, including in the US, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, EU, Canada and New Zealand.
The firm’s global expansion was boosted when it secured the official licence to make all official Fifty Shades of Grey pleasure products.
It has since created several ranges with E L James, author of the trilogy, including new collections to celebrate the books’ 10th birthday last year.
Lovehoney merged with German firm WOW Tech – makers of luxury pleasure brands such as Womanizer and We-Vibe – Last year, creating the world’s biggest sexual wellness group.
Lovehoney landed its first Queen’s Award for International Trade six years ago, with founders Richard Longhurst and Neal Slateford – who are no longer involved in the day-to-day running of the business – going on to meet the Queen and Prince Philip at a garden party at Buckingham Palace when they collected the award.
Gaining the latest award means Lovehoney can continue to use the Queen’s Award emblem in its advertising, marketing and on packaging as a symbol of quality and success for a further period of five years.
At the latest award ceremony Mrs Maw said: “Lovehoney is one of Somerset’s great success stories and it has been wonderful to hear how you have been creating jobs and spreading happiness across the world for the past 20 years. Well done to the whole Lovehoney team.”
Ms Bond added: “To receive royal recognition for the second time is beyond our wildest dreams.
“The award will enable us to reach new markets and create new jobs in Bath and in our teams throughout the world.
“The Queen is the UK’s greatest trade ambassador and to have her backing as she celebrates her Platinum Jubilee means the world to us.
“Brands with a Queen’s Award are trusted – so to win two over the last six years shows the phenomenal effort by everyone working for the Lovehoney Group.
“The crystal chalice we have received will take pride of place on what is already a really packed Lovehoney trophy cabinet.”
Lovehoney staff who met Mrs Maw at the ceremony included chief technology officer James Saxon, product director Bonnie Hall, chief financial officer Steve Moore, chief engineering and production officer Tobias Zegenhagen, Brand and Marketing director Helen Balme, and chief marketing officer Thuve Bremen.
