We are delighted to announce that William Beckett, Chairman of the International Trade Forum has been recognised in the 2023 King’s New Years Honours List with an OBE for services to manufacturing and exports.
William established his business in 1972 and started exporting in 1990 to over 40 countries accounting for over 80% of turnover. He established a US subsidiary in 1995 which was responsible for 50% of total turnover and resulted in his company winning two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade in 2009 and 2012.
William Beckett Plastics exhibited at many exhibitions around the world, but William was also very keen to promote ‘Made in Britain’ and he was particularly involved with the British Pavillion at the Cologne International Hardware Show which was held every year until recently when it moved to every other year. He contributed to the design of the British Pavilion and was constantly encouraging other businesses to attend.
He took on the role of Chair of International Trade Forum in 2010. His wealth of experience in export and global travel has been a significant benefit to the ITF and during his time as Chairman he has led trade visits to Singapore, Turkey, Berlin, Canada, Dubai, Poland, Czech Republic, Thailand and Dublin.
More recently William has been significantly involved in initiative on behalf of the Lord Lieutenants’ office for South Yorkshire to encourage local businesses to apply for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. He approaches these projects with such vigour and enthusiasm and spending many hours, entirely free of charge, encouraging and nurturing local businesses to get involved in community best practice and supporting them as they develop their exporting strategies.