Two Staffordshire firms have scooped prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.
Barkers Fencing, the leading high-security fence and gate manufacturer based in Stoke-on-Trent, has been awarded the accolade in the International Trade category.
Semantics 21, forensics software specialists based in Stafford, were recognised for their achievement in Innovation centring around a next-generation AI-powered toolset to boost investigators’ ability to find child sexual abuse victims.
Now in its 58th year, The King’s Awards recognises business excellence across four categories – Innovation, International Trade, Promoting Opportunity and Sustainable Development.
Recipients are permitted to fly the King’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on marketing material for five years.
In this year’s round, 252 businesses around the UK have been honoured. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the awards to firms locally throughout the year.
Barkers Fencing offers more than 45 entrance security and perimeter fencing products to a range of domestic and international clients.
With a surge in international trade prompting an 82 per cent increase in sales over the last three years, its high-performing perimeter security products are shipped around the globe to more than 20 countries including Falkland Isles, USA, Japan and New Zealand.
Andrew Rowe, Managing Director, said: “The news of the King’s Award was met with sheer jubilation by the team.
“Virtually every country in the world has their own fencing industry, but our customers recognise the added value in Barkers’ specialist products and the technical expertise, experience and friendly service we offer.”
Through its range of monitoring and detection software Semantics 21 supports law enforcement and professionals worldwide. Specific tools have been devised to identify and rescue victims of child sexual abuse.
The success of their innovative systems means they are global leaders in victim identification and Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) categorisation.
“It’s an incredible honour to receive this recognition for our dedication in tackling CSAM and identifying victims,” said a spokesperson for the company.
“To the amazing investigators and partners, thank you for your trust and support and everything you do daily to rescue children.
“This achievement would also not have been possible without the hard work and commitment of our unbelievable team, whose passion and creativity drive us forward every day.”
