Polar Thermal has been shortlisted for the Innovation section of the King’s Award for Enterprise - the UK’s most prestigious business awards. The company is looking to add to the six companies from the South West recognised in 2023 - the King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
Polar were nominated for their Blood Transport system developed for the NHS Blood & Transport. The portable systems are used by the NHS to safely transport whole blood, plasma and platelets. In testing the company scored 100/100 a clear 14 points ahead of the closest challenger from Germany. The bags were designed to match the strict requirements set out by the NHS and are manufactured in the company’s Warminster factory.
Managing Director Paul Harrison is delighted to have this recognition especially given the tough environment British manufacturers find themselves in. When asked what this meant to the company Paul said: “It has been tough as a British manufacturer in recent years – we do everything we can to ensure innovation, quality and service – we are ISO 14001, ISO 9001, Joscar and BAE approved, NHS approved – but we see our products being copied and manufactured cheaply in other countries and then promoted in the UK even with our test data! We do have design protection from the Intellectual Property Office, but the cost of pursuing these companies, mostly based overseas, is beyond us. We also understand that our customers are looking to keep their costs down so have enormous pressure on them. I feel that being recognised for this Award, our close relationship with the Made in Britain organisation and the support of our local MP, the Rt Hon Dr Andrew Murrison all help to promote our ethos of producing world-beating products here in the UK."
The systems are in use all over the world and are also endorsed by the European Blood Alliance. The bags incorporate many innovations: a rugged shell, wipe-clean coating, self-inflating pillow to hold any number of units from 1 to 10, thermal layers including PolarTherm™ made from 600 recycled plastic bottles per square metre - all combining to keep the lifesaving contents in perfect condition for up to 11 hours.
A further development with a second internal bag, with phase change material is used for plasma and platelets and was widely used during the Oxford University trials for utilising plasma in the Covid recovery programme.
Mr Harrison summed it up when asked what it means to make the shortlist: "I am delighted for the company, especially the staff who work so hard, often in a vacuum, so when you get these accolades it reflects really well on their hard work, loyalty and professionalism. We know that we are up there with the best, but we also recognise the challenges we face - these awards are the pinnacle for UK Manufacturing and we are honoured to be in the running."
Find out more about Polar Thermal Packaging Limited on their member profile page here
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