The Solution Saddles team, manufacturers of the
SMARTTM saddle range of fully flexible, patented sports saddles, were
in great company as they celebrated the formal presentation of the Queen’s
Award for Enterprise in Innovation. The official presentation was made by the
Queen’s representative Mrs. Elizabeth Fothergill CBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of
Derbyshire, at the Van Dyke
Hotel on Thursday 25th November. Representatives from a wide range
of stakeholders within the UK equestrian industry, including manufacturers, saddle
fitters, trade suppliers and riders, joined together with local dignitaries to
mark the occasion, which was a remarkable milestone for Great British saddlery
design.
The SMARTTM saddle is the only
saddle design to have ever been honoured with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise and
one of only ten recipients within Derbyshire in the last ten years. The sense
of achievement was clearly felt throughout the room as HM Lord-Lieutenant presented
the Royal Grant of Appointment to SMARTTM Saddle designer, Dr Anne
Bondi.
Accepting the award, Dr. Bondi said ‘’When
my husband and I founded the company in 2006, we had no idea how many good
friends we would make along the way. But, of course, innovators are not always
universally welcomed. Innovation means change, and that is not always a
comfortable place for a largely traditional and often rather conservative
equine industry.’’ Dr. Bondi continued by extending her thanks to everyone
present, noting that “you were confident enough in your own successful
businesses to see that there was room for us to have our place in the industry
too”. She ended by thanking everyone for joining the celebration of Great
British design and manufacturing, saying, “It is a privilege to have your
support”.
Managing Director, Charlotte
Berridge, concluded: ‘’We have been overwhelmed by the positive response from
the industry and we will continue to grow the success of the SMARTTM
saddle range, both in the UK and internationally.’’
