The Duke of York was in Nottinghamshire on Monday 23rd May and
visited The Abacus Group's Nottinghamshire headquarters. It is the
first royal visit for the firm which has been established for over
52 years, specialising in the design, manufacture and installation
of exterior lighting systems.
His Royal Highness is the UK's Special Representative for
International Trade and Investment. He recently met The Abacus
Group's MD Andrew Morris-Richardson on a business trip to St
Petersburg in Russia where Abacus have an office and expressed an
interest in getting to know the company better. His visit to the
lighting firm's HQ in Nottinghamshire was especially significant as
The Duke of York has just returned from China and Abacus also have
a large production facility in Shanghai.
Abacus's Global Managing Director Andrew Morris-Richardson said
he felt privileged that His Royal Highness had taken the time out
of his busy schedule to visit and learn more about their
organisation.
He said, "We were delighted to be part of such a high profile
visit - especially given the pivotal role The Duke plays in
promoting UK businesses abroad. At Abacus, we are constantly
innovating and adapting to meet the ever changing world market and
it's great for our contribution to international trade to be
recognised by someone who is so important to the UK's reputation on
the world stage. "
During a full-tour of the headquarters and factory facilities
conducted by Chris Welbourn, Group Operations Director, His Royal
Highness was shown Abacus's latest product innovations including
LED lighting and the telescopic mast which was raised by The Duke
of York to demonstrate the unique structure that has made this mast
the favourite choice for sports stadiums around the world.
In addition, His Royal Highness was also briefed on Abacus's
international growth strategy including receiving details of
Abacus's further planned locations around the world. He was shown
the steps Abacus are taking to embrace social media and the
internet before unveiling a plaque to mark the occasion of his
visit.
Also in attendance at the visit were the Lord Lieutenant of
Nottinghamshire, Sir Andrew Buchanan Bt. KCVO, Chairman of Ashfield
District Council, Mick Parker, Chief Executive of Ashfield Council,
Phillip Marshall, MP for Ashfield Gloria Di Piero, the
International Trade Director of UKTI, Peter Hogarth, the Regional
Director of HSBC Roy Harris and K Walker from Nottinghamshire
County Council.