ROYAL recognition for a Yeovil firm was made official this month with the presentation of a prestigious King’s Award.

Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, was at Atlantas Marine on September 13 to present the company with a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade.

As previously reported by your Leveller, the underwater inspection equipment and services company was the only Somerset firm to receive a King’s Award this year.

The award comes after Atlantas Marine’s overseas earnings have grew by more than 300 per cent over a three-year period.

Mr Saddiq, the King’s representative in the county, said: “It is a privilege to present this award to Atlantas Marine and to learn about the impressive work that is being done here.

“Having come here for the first time today, it is clear there is a very positive culture within the organisation, and the longevity of some of the staff validates that.

Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, met staff and toured Atlantas Marine in Yeovil. Picture: Aisling Magill

“As a business, their move into the renewable sector signifies how they have adapted to a new market at a time when the country, if not the world, is having to deal with the challenges of climate change.

“The innovation and courage that they have shown to get where they are today is nothing less than remarkable.

“This award is a symbol to recognise the work they have done collectively to make this such a great company, contributing to the local economy, growing through international trade and trebling their sales over the last three years. I can’t think of a more worthy organisation for this award.”

READ MORE: Yeovil firm Atlantas Marine only Somerset business to receive a King’s Award

Charlie Foll, MD and founder of the company, which employs around 16 people, said: “To be honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise is a real accolade and we are thrilled to have received a message today from the King acknowledging this achievement.

“It is such a prestigious, internationally-recognised award, and already it’s leading to growth within the business, throwing a spotlight on the company and opening up new opportunities, both nationally and internationally.

“This has enabled us to create more jobs and we’ll be recruiting more people as a result of this growth.

Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, with Atlantas Marine MD and founder, Charlie Foll. Picture: Aisling Magill

“It also provides a boost for the local economy as we use local engineering companies within our supply chain to manufacture parts for the products we’re producing.

“We are enormously proud of this award and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead, leading to further growth of the business.”

During his visit, the Lord-Lieutenant also officially opened Atlantas Marine’s new state-of-the-art, energy efficient premises at Glenmore Business Park.

The site includes smart offices, workshop and stores, complete with solar panels and air source heat pumps.