Huge #MadeInSandwell Monday congratulations to Sandwell-based KMB Shipping Group for winning a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise – another trophy to add to its impressive cabinet.

Out of 205 organisations honoured in this year’s Queen’s Awards, KMB was the only Black Country business to take home an award. The company was recognised for excellence in international trade, having achieved a 708 per cent increase in international sales over the six-year qualifying period.

KMB Shipping Group was established in Oldbury in 1987, starting out as a freight forwarding business with fewer than eight employees. Now based on Burnt Tree in Tipton, it has expanded to include worldwide road, sea and air freight options, export documentation and customs clearances, and comprehensive cargo insurance – and has almost doubled its workforce. So far in their journey, KMB have served over 11,000 customers and covered nearly 1.4m miles over land, sea and air.

Company director Paul Hull joined the company as a teenager 25 years ago, and has risen up through the ranks. He is now sharing his expertise and experience with other business people in the region as a Sandwell Business Ambassador. He urges other local companies to shout about their successes and put themselves forward for awards: He said: “Sometimes we don’t shout loud enough about the talent and innovation present in our region. It’s time to put modesty aside and go for it.”

This year’s Queen’s Award will sit alongside other recent accolades from the Sandwell Business Awards, Black Country Chamber of Commerce Awards and the Signature Awards. Paul puts KMB’s success down to the company’s team and their focus on delivering an efficient, helpful and friendly service. Paul said: “It’s been an exceptionally tough year for us all. With the end of the Brexit transition period, we have expanded our customs department and are helping hundreds of customers daily to navigate the new declaration requirements. We are even more determined to help businesses find the best possible transport solutions. Ultimately our success lies in the success of our customers.”

#MadeInSandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity within our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #MadeInSandwell Monday profile and having information about your organisation shared on Think Sandwell and through Twitter, read this.