THE boss of a local pest controller has been appointed national president of the Royal Warrant Holders Association.

Alec McQuin, MD of Ringwood-based Rokill, was handed the chain of office at the association’s AGM at St James Palace, in the association’s 174th year.

Royal warrants are issued by The Queen, Duke of Edinburgh and the Prince of Wales to companies providing goods or services to the Royal Household. Suppliers must demonstrate excellence and a track record of supply for a minimum of five years. The 850 companies with a Royal warrant can display the Royal coat of arms and use the words “By Royal appointment”. The earliest recorded award was made in 1155 by Henry II Members include household names like Austin Reed and Land Rover.

Mr McQuin was instrumental in the formation of the local Highgrove Royal Warrant Holders Association.

He was also treasurer of the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust, the premier charity supporting excellence in British craftsmanship.

Mr McQuin said: “I am very proud that Rokill have worked with the Royal Household since 1984 and being awarded the Queen’s Royal Warrant is one of the company’s greatest achievements.”