MUSICAL instruments company John Packer, based at Chelston Business Park, has been shortlisted in the Taunton Deane Business Awards.

It is up for the Creative Industries Award for businesses that feature, promote or use creative arts in their business model. Last year the company, which employs 20 staff, won Best Growth Business in the awards for increased global exports.

Rob Hanson, one of John Packer’s directors, said: “We were thrilled to win last year’s prize.

“Much has happened since – we received our Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and expanded to a 10,000 sq ft unit at Chelston, making us the single largest brass and woodwind retailer in the UK. We have a superb showroom and space to host our own events.”

The firm has demonstrated a commitment to support music and events across the UK for some years. It has also run successful workshops in Taunton Deane for musicians to flex their musical skills.

John Packer has a global dealer network selling its own brand of brass and woodwind instruments, and also regularly accompanies  stockists at external music events and workshops in Europe and the United States.

Rob added: “While the business continues to build on exports, engaging with musicians is paramount to our success. In a time where content is everything we need to be passionate about music to be credible. 

“Creating meaningful experiences that showcase our wares in many ways is learning from the past to become a company that remains at the heart of a community, be that locally or digitally. We are still very much the local music shop.

“More exciting projects are afoot – we’re looking forward to hosting new events that will engage with musicians anywhere.”

Winners in the Taunton Deane Business Awards will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, June 27, at the Somerset County Cricket Club.