Three Bristol area firms whose products range from subsea technology for the oil and gas industry to waterproof covers for plaster casts and tea for expats have gained prestigious Queen’s Awards.
Portishead-based Viper Subsea Technology and Precision Dippings Manufacturing from Yate have received their awards in recognition for Enterprise in Innovation, while Calnet Systems, based in Iron Acton, has received its for International Trade.
The awards are widely regarded as the UK’s most prestigious business accolades. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the scheme in what is also Her Majesty’s 90th birthday year. 
Viper Subsea Technology, which provides consultancy and develops products for the oil and gas sector worldwide, gained the award for its groundbreaking V-LIFE Electrical Insulation Resistance Improvement System.
V-LIFE has enjoyed spectacular global success since its launched in 2013 and has become established as a key component in helping operators extend the life of offshore fields. The system has been deployed as far afield as Indonesia and Australia.
Business development director Max Nodder and managing director Neil Douglas, pictured, will celebrate the award at HM The Queen’s Reception at Buckingham Palace on July 14 along with other winners.
Neil Douglas said: “We are honoured to receive this. V-LIFE represents British innovation at its finest. It has been developed to specifically address a problem that affects many offshore oil and gas fields and its success is testament to its effectiveness.
“It is the right technology at the right time, but key to its success has been the efforts of the team here at Viper Subsea in developing a high-quality product based on innovative technology that is being well managed into the marketplace and supported with superior levels of customer service. The Queen’s Award is one which all staff here at Viper Subsea share. I couldn’t be more proud of our collective effort.”
Family-run Precision Dippings Marketing (PDM) scooped its award for an invention that keeps plaster casts and dressings dry in water.
The award recognises PDM’s success in innovation for developing Bloccs – a range of reusable waterproof arm and leg protectors for patients with plaster casts and dressings.
Patients with casts have to keep them away from water so they do not become soggy and fall apart or, worse, cause an infection.
Bloccs keep injuries bone dry by slipping over an injured arm or leg like a glove or stocking. Their rubber seals combine the technology PDM used to put the stretch into the iconic Stretch Armstrong toy in the 1970s, with the watertight wrist, ankle and neck seals it today supplies for the world’s top drysuit manufacturers.
PDM co-director Kate Richards said: “Bloccs are popular with injured children who want to swim on their summer holidays, side-lined athletes who need a speedier rehabilitation through aquatic non-weight bearing exercise, and anyone who wants to bathe or shower independently after surgery or in spite of having a dressed wound.
“It’s the first consumer product we’ve taken to market since starting in 1964, so we’re incredibly proud.
“The key to the success of Bloccs has been its 100% watertight seal technology, our personalised customer service and striking a deal with high street giant Boots.”
Sales and export figures for Bloccs have increased year-on-year since it was launched in 2013 – including a 25% rise in 2016.
Kate said the product’s growth had exceeded all expectations and the Queen’s Award could provide a springboard for further success.
“We see potential for growth in Australia and the United States,” she said. “This win has laid the foundation for that. We won’t stop until we’ve condemned the plaster cast and dressing wrapped in carrier bags to the history books.”
Calnet Systems, which trades as British Corner Shop, received the Queen’s Award for International Trade for its outstanding growth in overseas sales over the past three years. The company is the leading online supermarket specialising in supplying 10,000 British brands, including food, drink, toiletry and household items, to expats in 138 countries worldwide.
Technical director Peter Howarth said: “We are delighted that British Corner Shop has received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. To receive such a prestigious award is a real testament to the hard work that the whole team have put in over the last decade, delivering a fantastic and unique service that British expats around the world have come to rely upon.
“UKTI has helped us in several areas of export activity, such as setting up international trade missions which we have gone on, connecting us with suppliers and partners, and advising on digital aspects. They have been knowledgeable and easy to work with, and provide an invaluable support service for UK businesses seeking to grow exports.”
