Queen awards sex toy company for 'Outstanding Continuous Growth'
Yahoo Lifestyle's editors are committed to independently selecting wonderful products at great prices for you. We may receive a share from purchases made via links on this page. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
A sex toy company has been granted an enterprise award from the Queen in recognition of "Outstanding Continuous Growth".
Lovehoney has been given the 2021 Queen's Award for International Trade for Outstanding Continuous Growth, after boosting its overseas sales over the last six years.
The award is valid for five years and can be displayed on the company website as well as in advertising, marketing and on packaging.
Lovehoney said its overseas sales had grown by 365% from £12m to £56m.
Debbie Bond, Lovehoney’s chief commercial officer, said: “We are thrilled to have received official recognition from the Queen.
"Her Majesty has been a wonderful supporter of Lovehoney as we have grown into being the world’s leading sexual wellness brand.
Read more: Camilla's son reveals his children's nickname for Prince Charles
"Royal patronage will help us to create more jobs at our Bath headquarters and in our international offices and spread the sexual happiness message globally.
"The Queen is the UK’s greatest trade ambassador and royal approval shows again how mainstream shoppers and retail outlets are embracing sexual wellness products as never before and appreciating their importance in improving overall well-being - a particularly important message as we come out of lockdown after a stressful year living with the pandemic.
"A huge well done to the Lovehoney team on tremendous performance over the last few years - here’s to a bigger and brighter 2021!”
This is the second Queen's award for Lovehoney, who previously picked up the Queen’s Award for International Trade five years ago.
Founders Richard Longhurst and Neal Slateford and other winners met the Queen and Prince Philip at a garden party at Buckingham Palace.
Read more: Lovehoney launches new eco-friendly vibrators
The pleasure product company is one of 205 businesses to receive a Queen's award on 29 April.
Another is Luminary Bakery, which Meghan Markle worked with during her time as a senior royal.
Luminary Bakery helps women in long-term unemployment who face other disadvantages like gender-based violence.
The cake company said on Instagram: "We are so excited to announce that Luminary Bakery has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise, in the category of 'Promoting Opportunity'!
"We want to say a HUGE well done to all of our team who work incredibly hard to support our mission and who strive every day to make Luminary's vision a reality."
Meghan visited the company in 2019 when they opened their second location in Camden, north London, cutting a cake in celebration.
Alice Williams, Luminary Bakery’s founder and CEO, told the Telegraph: "It feels incredible to be recognised by such a prestigious award.
"It’s recognition for the team’s hard work during a challenging year."
The Queen's awards have become known as one of the most prestigious accolades in business and have been given out annually since 1966.
They were formed by recommendation of a committee chaired by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1965.
Businesses apply for the award and they are granted on recommendation of the prime minister.
Watch: Duchess Meghan spoke with The Queen after Prince Philip's funeral
