A SOMERSET musical instrument maker, distributor and seller has been honoured with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

John Packer Musical Instruments, based at Chelston Business Park in Wellington, received a visit from Mohammed Saddiq, Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, to present a commemorative award and scroll on behalf of His Majesty the King.

Mr Saddiq received a tour of JP’s retail, office and warehouse facilities, and chatted with members of staff about the company’s continued growth.

JP celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, and earlier this year won the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in recognition of the company’s international growth.

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It is the second time JP Musical Instruments has won the award, having received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2018.

Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer Musical Instruments, said: “It was a huge honour to welcome His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset to John Packer Musical Instruments, and to show him around our retail, office and warehouse facilities.

“Mr Saddiq showed great interest in the continued growth of the company, and was particularly interested in the considerable development in the export side of the business, as we export John Packer Musical Instruments to more than 40 countries all over the world.”

In June, Rob attended a reception at Windsor Castle, where he spoke with King Charles III, as well as HRH The Princess Royal and HRH The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh.

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 by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

Now in its 59th year, the awards are presented to successful businesses for five years, enabling them to show the King’s emblem.

For more information on JP Musical Instruments, visit jpmusicalinstruments.com.