The awards, which were announced yesterday (April 21) to coincide with the Queen's birthday, see 139 businesses gain recognition, with I&G Cohen achieving its accolade in the international trade category.
Reacting to the news of the award, the family-run company's managing director Elliot Cohen said: “I am thrilled that a business started nearly 50 years ago by my grandfather and father has achieved such public recognition. This success has been built on the loyalty of our customers and suppliers and commitment of our staff.”
“Textile recycling is still not a high enough priority for domestic households,” he added. “We hope to raise awareness of the need to divert second hand clothing from landfill and at the same time raise vital funds for our partner charities”
I&G Cohen has the capacity to sort 10,000 tonnes of textiles a year at its Bazaar Street headquarters, where it employs more than 30 people and achieves an annual turnover in excess of £2 million – including a 277% increase in export earnings over the past three years.
The textiles it processes are then exported for sale in markets in Eastern Europe, Africa and Pakistan, with its main markets last year identified as Poland, Hungary, Ukraine, Romania and Togo.
It currently works with a number of partners including local authorities (particularly in the North West), waste management companies including Biffa and Veolia, and also charities, operating both kerbside and textile bank collections on their behalf.
Financial director Philip Geller claimed that the Queen's Award would provide a boost to I&G Cohen's future prospects.
“The company is looking forward to further develop links with local authorities and other public sector organizations,” he said. “This award provides us with a perfect platform to do this. It is a tremendous accolade.”
Green-Works
London-based furniture recycling and reuse charity Green-Works is also recognised in this year's awards, in the sustainable development category, receiving the award for its efforts in diverting more than 60,000 tonnes of surplus office furniture from landfill since 2000.
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