A WELLINGTON woodwind and brass company has been announced as a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise - the most prestigious business award in the country.

On Tuesday, May 6, it was announced that the musical instrument manufacturer and distributer, John Packer Ltd, was one of four Somerset companies to be named a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE).

It is the second time JP Musical Instruments has won the award, having received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2018.

Founded 50 years ago as a small woodwind repair shop in Taunton, John Packer Ltd is now the single largest stockists of brass and woodwind instruments in the UK, carrying several thousand brass and woodwind instruments in a 10,000 sq ft facility at Chelston Business Park.

The KAE recognises outstanding success in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunities through social mobility. Locally they are run by the Somerset Lieutenancy, which represents the Royal Family in the county.

The other three county winners included Shearwell Data (Wheddon Cross), Wittenstein High Integrity Systems Ltd (Long Ashton), and Viper Innovations Ltd (Portishead).

Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer Musical Instruments, will now be invited to attend a royal reception at Windsor Castle.

Rob said: “To win the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for a second time is a huge honour for JP Musical Instruments.

“The business has grown demonstrably over the past few years, welcoming prestigious brands to our stable, and showing a tremendous level of agility and resilience in what is a fast-paced and continually-evolving international trading landscape.

“We remain grateful to our customers all over the world for their continued support, as John Packer Musical Instruments will continue to reach new musicians and audiences globally in the months and years to come.”