PIONEERING Isle of Wight company A.J Wells & Sons Ltd has been recognised with a King's Award for Enterprise — the highest accolade awarded to a UK business.

The ceremony took place at the company's studio, located on the Dodnor Estate in Newport, yesterday (Tuesday, September 17).

The Island's Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon, presented the company with the prestigious award.

Founded in 1972, the respected family-run business, which employs 172, specialises in the design and manufacture of clean-burning wood stoves, outdoor kitchens, and innovative architectural vitreous enamel solutions.

Moreover, the company is acknowledged for crafting much of the signage and cladding, proudly displayed on the London Underground and Paris Metro systems.

With a growing international presence, A.J Wells and Sons has successfully broken into markets across North America, South Africa, Japan and Australia.

Maintaining a significant presence in Europe, their largest export market, the firm operates independent sales teams in France, Poland and Ireland, and runs a subsidiary in the United States.

Remarkably, in the past three years, overseas sales have surged by 115 per cent, with exports making up 31 per cent of the firm's overall profits.

A.J Wells & Sons' commitment to heightening productivity, championing sustainability and nurturing a supportive work environment, has propelled the business's continued global success.

Mrs Sheldon said: "The achievements of A.J Wells & Sons are genuinely impressive and it is an honour to have presented them with the King's Award.

"Their dedication to British innovation, sustainability and their local community sets a wonderful example for others, and I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team for their well-deserved success."

Managing director, Hugh Wells, said: "The King's Award highlights the remarkable efforts of our team.

"Despite facing numerous challenges in recent years, our Christian faith and commitment have been our foundation.

"Our objectives to transform lives and delight customers are central to our mission, and this recognition underscores our progress toward these goals."

The King's Awards for Enterprise is the UK's highest business accolades companies can receive.

Set up in 1965, the former Queen's Awards have lauded more than 7,000 companies that deliver pioneering products or services, exhibit impressive social mobility programmes and dedicate themselves to excellent, sustainable development practices.