STAFF at an engineering information management firm on both sides of the world celebrated as it was presented with a prestigious award.
Billingham-based Pearson-Harper was yesterday given its Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade by County Durham’s Lord-Lieutenant Sir Paul Nicholson.
And the company made sure that not only the staff on Teesside but those at its office in Perth, Western Australia, had the chance to be part of its big moment with a video link-up.
The company was recognised for doubling its exports which now account for 75% of revenues. This is down to the launch of the Phusion web portal which provides simultaneous global access to critical engineering information by thousands of clients, engineers and data processors.
As members of the team down under looked in, the Lord-Lieutenant read the Queen’s citation and presented the Crystal Bowl to executive chairman Steve Pearson, a founder of the company.
Sir Paul said: “Of the many duties I perform as Lord-Lieutenant, the presentation of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is one I particularly enjoy.
“I know the scale of achievement these awards represent; they are hard won. The vision, commitment and sheer hard work required by both employers and employees is immense.
“In the short time I have known of Pearson-Harper, I have been impressed by the abundance of these qualities in the business – to bring to the world what truly appears a revolution in engineering information management.
“It is exceptionally impressive that, as we stand here today, your exports to Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe account for around 75% of annual turnover. You can all be very proud of what you have achieved together.”
Pearson-Harper has doubled its workforce over the last two years to keep up with demand. Around 36 new staff have been brought into its North East headquarters, with another three joining in Australia.
Managing director Alex Hayward said: “This is a very special day; I am delighted our staff on both sides of the world are able to celebrate together.
“This Queen’s Award means so much to everyone at Pearson-Harper, especially in this the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee year.”
Pearson said: “This business is unique and, at present, we are just scratching the surface – the scope for growth is vast. Our export strategy is built on a major shift at many multi- nationals as they intensify their focus on their cost base.”
