The Queen makes the Awards on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.
Pictured are (from left) KHL Group's managing director James King, The Lord Lieutenant for East Sussex, Mr Peter Field, and KHL Group’s editorial director Paul Marsden.
KHL was rewarded for bringing more than UK£27 million into the local economy over the last six years and creating jobs in and around Wadhurst, Tunbridge Wells, Kent and the East Sussex area.
In recognition of these achievements the company won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in the highly competitive International Trade category for continuous outstanding achievement sustained over not less than six years.
Presenting the award to KHL Group's managing director James King and editorial director Paul Marsden, the Lord Lieutenant said, “It is only the crème de la crème of British companies that get this award, which is why it is accepted worldwide as the top honour any company can get, so it’s a fantastic achievement for KHL.”
KHL Group's managing director James King said, “To be selected by the Prime Minister and his advisors and given the Queen’s seal of approval is a fabulous accolade and something that, even to this day, we can’t quite believe we have won.
“Over the past 20 years we have strived to be the best and most respected information provider in the international construction sector. And to have that success recognised in this way, in such tough market conditions, is true testimony to the KHL team, here in the UK, the USA, China, Turkey and all the global markets we have representation in.”
"Key contributions to achieving the International Trade award,” added Mr King, “have been pioneering initiatives into the two giant world markets of the USA and China. In North America, we now have a company that publishes two market-leading magazines, websites, newsletters and books.
“And we aim to use this company as a vehicle to launch or acquire other titles for the North and South American markets in the future," added Mr King.
KHL Group has always generated over 80% of its revenue from outside the UK. Its ten international magazines for the construction industry now reach every single country in the world and provide vehicles for global companies to reach their international target audience.
"In China, we have a Joint Venture publishing company that produces a Chinese language magazine and provides services for Chinese companies to help market their products globally. Taking early advantage of China’s massive economic growth has made it KHL's third largest market this year. Having opened an office in Beijing and employed an excellent team there, KHL is now benefiting from ten years of long-term commitment to China.”
Other key international markets for KHL are Germany, Scandinavia, Italy, France, South Korea, The Netherlands, Japan, Spain, Belgium and Turkey (where KHL has another JV publishing company producing a Turkish language publication).
This year's awards were announced on the Queen's birthday, 21 April, with only 95 winners of the International Trade category. The award lasts for five years and previous winners include JCB, The Premier League, BUPA, Pearson (Financial Times publisher), Du Pont, BBC Worldwide, and British Airways.
Mr King and Mr Marsden will be attending an official reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by the Queen later this month.
