Lady Philippa Dannatt and Norfolks Deputy Lieutenant Melinda Raker were welcomed to Agrimech, by co-founders Belinda and Darren Smith who launched the business 14 years ago and have watched it grow and expand into international markets.
“It is an honour both to receive the award and to host the Lord-Lieutenant and Deputy Lieutenant to show them what we do, and how we have built-up the business to become the success story it is today,” said Belinda.
“We pride ourselves on our customer service and it has been lovely that the whole team has been able to be part of such a special visit. It is a way of celebrating their hard work and dedication as it is very much a team effort and it’s been a day we won’t forget.”
The guests were introduced to the Agrimech team, and had a tour of the site with Mr and Mrs Smith before the official presentation of the unique crystal bowl given to award recipients.
Both guests were very interested in the innovative machinery created by Agrimech for bagging and weighing crops. Lady Dannatt is a member of the Gurney family who farm in north Norfolk and Mrs Raker’s family farm at Croxton, near Thetford.
“The award was made during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth and it is in her name I present the award to you today,” said Lady Dannatt.
Agrimech was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise last year, and Belinda met the then future King Charles at a special reception at Buckingham Palace held for recipients of an award in August.
The company has established itself as a market leader in machinery for the agricultural industry with an after-sales service system second to none. It designs, manufactures and services specialist equipment for bagging and weighing within the sector and its trademark is registered in 28 countries across Europe.