A BUSINESS in Ferndown has become the only one in Dorset to be presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

imageHOLDERS at Ferndown Industrial Estate received the International Export award from the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell.

The company, which designs and sells self-service kiosks that can be found around the world, was established in 2003 and has offices in the UK and north America but has its headquarters in Ferndown.

Adrian Thompson, founder of imageHOLDERS, praised the hard work, passion and commitment of the team.

Mr Thompson said: “30 years ago, I boarded a National Express from Northumberland with £60, I saved £9 for the journey home. I never did move home, as Dorset gave me the space and facility to begin to build what imageHOLDERS is today.”

He added: “As a business, we are very honoured to be recognised with this award. imageHOLDERS was set up to provide businesses with innovation led kiosk solutions that provide real value to our customers. The award is a recognition of the team effort and culture that runs through the business’ veins to deliver to customers, wherever they are in the world, and help solve their problems.

“I am very proud that a small firm in Dorset can achieve great things internationally; when you harness imagination, technology and have a great team behind you.”

The Lord Lieutenant said it is clear the business had “developed and continue to develop future-proofed products that are required and desired globally.”

During the visit, the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset and Ms. Marylin Porter, civic and lieutenancy officer, were taken on a tour of the premises.

The company has seen the number of employees almost double in two years following growth with its premises doubling in size.

Extra storage has been needed as stock has tripled in the last two years with 70 per cent of orders delivered to the US.

Mr Thompson added: “I travelled the world thinking the grass could be greener, but there really is no better place for me to live and work than this part of the world.”

The company's customers include McDonalds, NASA, NHS, Hilton, Amazon and Bentley.

In its 55th year, the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the country, with winning businesses able to use the Queen’s Awards emblem for the next five years.