Three North Somerset directors of a design consultancy firm have been presented with the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the highest award which can be bestowed on a British company.

North Somerset Times: James Orkney, David Cottle, Sean Devane, Ian Hollister and Craig Wightman at their design innovation facility.James Orkney, David Cottle, Sean Devane, Ian Hollister and Craig Wightman at their design innovation facility. (Image: Archant)

Backwell pair Jim Orkney and David Cottle, plus Ian Hollister from Weston-in-Gordano, are part of the five-strong directorial team at Kinneir Dufort.

The company researches, designs and develops products, packaging and user experience for clients in the medical, consumer and industrial sectors. It has bases in Bristol and Cambridge.

An award winners’ reception was hosted by the Queen at Buckingham Palace in London.

Mr Orkney, who is the company’s managing director, said: “To receive the Queen’s Award is a fantastic recognition of the skills and achievements of our team in making this success possible.”