The Webber family, who founded and run Shearwell Data Limited, based on Exmoor. Picture: Mendip Media

Somerset company lands prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise – and a Buck House invite

Paul JonesMay 6, 20250 Comment0

A FAMILY-owned Somerset farming business has been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

Shearwell Data Limited, based in Exmoor National Park, has been recognised with the accolade for achievements in international trade.

Founded in 1992, Shearwell is a global supplier of animal identification and livestock management systems, providing products and services to assist livestock farmers in managing their herds and flocks.

The products are developed and manufactured in the UK and rigorously tested on the family’s own farms to ensure quality, reliability and ease of use.

The company was recognised for outstanding short-term growth after, in the three years to September 2023, its total overseas sales grew by 69% to nearly £7 million, representing almost a third of its annual turnover, with plans to further extend its export market reach in the coming years.

Shearwell Data already exports to 35 countries and employs more than 150 people worldwide, with representatives in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the United States and South Africa.

To celebrate the success, founder of Shearwell Data Richard Webber has been invited to attend a royal reception with His Majesty King Charles III in the summer, while the award itself will be presented to the company later this year by His Majesty’s personal representative in the county, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset.

Mr Webber, farmer, founder and managing director of Shearwell Data, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade, it’s a great compliment.

“It is a recognition of the hard work, determination and commitment from our staff and the support from our farming customers around the world. We had a vision and it has grown and evolved over the years.

“The Shearwell business has grown into a global business from very humble beginnings and a desire to provide farmers with the best quality products. Being farmers ourselves and having hands on experience, we understand the need for products and support farmers can trust.

“In truth, our business has grown because of the fact farmers know we aim to provide excellent customer service and support.

“Winning this prestigious award will boost our profile and reputation in the industry, helping us to grow the business further – but we pride ourselves in taking a personal approach with our customers and that won’t change. When farmers call in, they will always talk to one of the team, never a machine.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

Now in its 59th year, the scheme is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.