The UK-based leather manufacturer, Pittards, has beaten a string of high profile companies to scoop the prestigious Royal Bank of Scotland/Sunday Times ‘Innovator of the Year’ business award. The Carphone Warehouse, easyjet and Reed Elsevier were among the twelve finalists.

Pittards’ leather is used by some of the world’s top brands for gloves, footwear, luxury leather goods and sports equipment and its clients include Nike, adidas and Louis Vuitton.

The competition judges were impressed by the manufacturer’s investments in new technology and the fact many of its employees are bilingual and trilingual. Pittards was commended for being the first company in Europe to introduce the Japanese 20 Keys system, which allows workers to take responsibility for changes and improvements in their work environment. The firm also gained recognition for its anti-microbial treatment, Microspike, which uses a molecular tip to pierce and destroy bacteria.

Pittards has enjoyed a period of sustained growth of late and has exploited opportunities in the export market, which accounts for 85% of its total turnover.

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