The managing director of Hull-based manufacturer Bio-D has thanked his team after the company was awarded a King’s Award, one of the highest honours in business. The firm, which produces sustainable and eco-friendly cleaning products, received the award in the Sustainable Development category. The accolade was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant for the East Riding of Yorkshire at a ceremony held at Bio-D’s headquarters at Marfleet Technology Park.
Managing Director Lloyd Atkin described the award as "testimony to the whole team" who had put in a "huge amount of work" to earn such recognition. "For the team to receive that recognition is amazing. It goes beyond monetary value and straight to the heart of our business.
It shows we are making a difference." Bio-D was established in 1989 by Michael Barwell, who was then employed to clean commercial ships using heavy-duty safety equipment including a respirator. He was startled to find that many of the ingredients in the products he used at work were also present in household cleaners, prompting him to search for more environmentally friendly alternatives.
Lloyd Atkin was the first employee hired by Michael and took over Bio-D when the latter retired. "I came here as part of an old-fashioned apprentice scheme and was the office junior," Lloyd recalls. "For 25 years people have been telling me it's the right time to be in this kind of business, and I think now they're probably right.
"People are living more sustainable lifestyles.
