"I am particularly pleased that InvestSefton, the Council’s business support service has worked closely with Richardsons in developing the business’s growth and achieving both Royal Awards."

Sefton Council Leader Cllr Marion Atkinson has congratulated Bootle company Richardsons Healthcare’s remarkable feat of clinching a Royal Award for Enterprise.

Richardsons, which specialises in the manufacture of specialist operating table mattresses and accessory pads for leading medical device companies worldwide, was announced this week as a recipient of the prestigious King's Award for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business award. The award recognises the company’s exceptional growth in exporting.

Amazing growth

The business has established a strong presence the United States, several European countries, China and Australia, growing turnover by an amazing 80% between 2021 and 2023.

In 2023, the company gained ISO13485 accreditation for the quality management standard for medical device companies.

Unprecedented accomplishment

Cllr Atkinson said: “I am delighted that Bootle-based Richardsons Healthcare has achieved this recognition which follows on from their Queen's Award for Enterprise for outstanding exporting in 2019. Just six Liverpool City Region businesses have achieved this award in 2024 of over 80,000 businesses and it’s an unprecedented accomplishment in our City Region

“And I am particularly pleased that InvestSefton, the Council’s business support service has worked closely with Richardsons in developing the business’s growth and achieving both Royal Awards.”

InvestSefton Business Growth Adviser Julie Swarbrick has worked closely with Richardsons’ Managing Director Michael Gould and his team since 2016. This included the development of initiatives aimed at encouraging other Sefton businesses to consider export markets and assisting the business with their two Royal Awards. 

A place for successful businesses to thrive

Cllr Atkinson added: “It’s great to see Richardsons gaining another major Award and it puts Sefton Borough on the map as a place for successful businesses to thrive.

“This success also demonstrates to other Sefton-based companies what they can achieve with the support and advice our InvestSefton team can provide.”

InvestSefton supports new and existing local businesses and helps attract new investment and job creation across the Borough. Companies wanting to find out more about how the InvestSefton can help support their business, including exporting should visit www.investsefton.com or contact the team on 0151 934 3452 or by emailing investsefton@sefton.gov.uk.