Bowers & Jones, a Black Country company specializing in the design, manufacture, and refurbishment of equipment for the metal-forming industry, has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The award recognizes the company’s impressive growth in exports, with 80% of its sales now coming from overseas. The King’s Award for Enterprise is the highest UK honor a business can achieve, with winners recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty the King.
In 2020, managing director Jane Sommerville and finance director Nicola Owen took over the business, overcoming challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic and a move to Bilston during the lockdown. Since then, the company has more than doubled its turnover, serving over 300 customers across the UK, North America, Europe, and beyond.
“This award is a huge achievement for our team,” said Jane Sommerville. “Receiving such prestigious recognition, especially after the difficulties we faced since taking over in 2020, is incredibly rewarding. It reflects our commitment to excellence in international trade.”
A Remarkable Journey
John Wood, Deputy Lieutenant of the West Midlands, praised the company’s achievement, noting the significant milestone in its journey. “Jane’s determination to secure the King’s Award began when she attended a West Midlands Lieutenancy seminar two years ago. Bowers & Jones submitted a well-prepared and compelling application, which helped it stand out among the few businesses in the region to receive this honor. I look forward to seeing their continued growth as they make the most of this well-deserved recognition.”
Bowers & Jones was one of a select few companies to win the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise. With this honor, the company joins more than 8,000 UK businesses that have received the Royal recognition since the awards were first established in 1965.
Global Recognition and Continued Growth
Founded in 1955, Bowers & Jones has grown into a world leader in the design, manufacture, and refurbishment of roll tooling and rolling mill products. The company specializes in making tools for rolling long products such as welded and seamless tubes, steel sections, and complex copper extrusions. Recently, their rolls have been used in non-steel applications like electrical conduction and heating cables.
The King’s Award for Enterprise is an internationally recognized mark of excellence, celebrating businesses that have overcome challenges to achieve outstanding success. Winning the award can open new opportunities for growth, attracting new clients, markets, and investors, and helping to retain a skilled workforce.
