Over 45 years of outstanding innovation and business success by Denis Wick Products Ltd was formally recognised with the presentation of The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade at the company’s headquarters in Poole in Dorset yesterday.

Celebrated

The award of a cut glass bowl and certificate on behalf of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II was made by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Ian Angus Campbell, in which the outstanding achievements of the company, which now employs 22 people and has an annual turnover of £1.6 million, were celebrated.

Denis Wick Products can now use the award, with its accompanying logo, for a five year period to help further promote its worldwide profile.

Highest accolade

Regarded as one of the highest accolades any British company can achieve, The Queen’s Award formally acknowledges the success in the manufacture and export of products that are recognised as being the very best of British innovative expertise and quality — with over 80% of Denis Wick output now sold in markets throughout the world.

The company founder and his son Stephen were invited to a special Buckingham Palace reception in 2013 where they met the Queen, and where the company’s award was announced by Secretary of State for Business, Vince Cable MP.

Generous speech

On receiving the award from the Lord Lieutenant, Managing Director and founder Denis Wick (pictured above with his son) gave a wonderfully warm and generous speech, emphasising his personal thanks to the ‘wonderful friends’ who have contributed to the success of the company since it was founded in 1968.

"This is all about what you have achieved," he said gesturing to the staff, suppliers, friends and colleagues who helped celebrate the event.

"From the making of the mouthpieces and mutes, to putting the labels on the boxes and selling our products in worldwide markets, everyone has contributed so much to the success of the company.

This award is all about you — such wonderful friends. I feel we are a very special company and this award shows that."

Tribute

Speaking to 4BR, Director Stephen Wick also paid tribute to colleagues as well as his father.

"His inspiration has been the driving force for the company — one which I have been honoured to carry one.

The commitment to quality and innovation of everyone associated with Denis Wick Products has been the foundation of our success — led of course by a very special man."

I was once told that our mouthpieces had revolutionised the sound of the modern brass band. It’s such a wonderful musical ensemble, so it should always embrace innovation. Hopefully we can do more to help that in the years to comeDenis Wick

Lucky

That special man is also determined to ensure the company that bears his name will remain at the forefront of technological and innovative advances — although he very modestly told 4BR that he felt he had been ‘very lucky’ when he first started to produce the iconic mouthpieces all those years ago.

"I initially only wanted to produce about 15 trombone mouthpieces, as I thought that was all I could possibly sell to friends, but I had to have an initial run of 100. That then became 200 and everything took off from there.

The idea of them being gold plated and the design which produced such a perfect sound, all came by meeting and working with wonderful colleagues and friends. I’ve been very lucky."

Over 400 mouthpieces

Now the company produces close to 400 different mouthpiece designs, as well as a comprehensive range of mutes and innovative accessories, although Denis Wick is keen to seek further innovation in many more areas — especially in brass bands.

"I was once told that our mouthpieces had revolutionised the sound of the modern brass band. It’s such a wonderful musical ensemble, so it should always embrace innovation. Hopefully we can do more to help that in the years to come."