Royal recognition for innovative company

INNOVATIVE Technology, proud winners of a Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation

CASH-handling equipment manufacturer Innovative Technology is celebrating after being named a recipient of a Queen's Award for Enterprise in Innovation for 2017.

The Queen's Award is the UK's highest accolade for business success and Innovative Technology said the recognition puts that the Oldham firm among an elite group of British companies that have been recognised as deserving winners.

The Derker-based company was founded by chairman David Bellis MBE, and is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

It designs and manufactures a range of cash validation and ticketing equipment used globally in sectors including gaming and casinos, vending, retail, banks and car parks.

Its Derker HQ is home to research and development staff, including science, technology engineering and mathematics experts, along with IT, logistics and marketing departments. The firm also has overseas sales offices and manufacturing sites.

Managing director Peter Dunlop said: "We are honoured to receive this award for innovation. This is the company's fourth Queen's Award in our 25-year history, having previously received awards in 1997, 1999 and 2014.

"The Queen's Awards are one of the most prestigious business accolades in the UK and are only awarded to companies demonstrating the highest level of excellence. This year's award demonstrates that innovation is at the heart of everything we do, something which has been the company's ethos since day one."

This year's awards have been announced for outstanding business achievement in the fields of international trade, innovation and sustainable development.

As a Queen's Award-winner, Innovative Technology is now looking forward to an invitation to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace with The Queen later this year.

Mr Dunlop added: "This is a historic time for Innovative Technology as we celebrate 25 years in the cash-handling industry.

"As a company, we are experiencing a significant, sustained period of growth, which has allowed us to increase our staff and office locations and expand our product range. This is all cementing our position as a market-leader in our field.

"The Innovation Award was granted for our flagship NV200 banknote validator, sighting its modular, versatile design as a real innovation for the cash-handling industry. We're proud to receive this award and will be celebrating next month when Innovative Technology staff from around the world will gather in the UK for a day of fun activities and celebrations to mark our 25th anniversary."

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are announced each year on April 21, The Queen's birthday. Each award is valid for five years and all winners are invited to a reception with The Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Innovative Technology promotes careers in science, technology, engineering and maths. Its activities include tailored work placement programmes for school-leavers, college and university students.

It is also a headline sponsor of the Oldham Business Awards and recently held a reception for shortlisted finalists, judges and sponsors at its Derker office.