THE founder of an award-winning business has spoken of his joy after receiving the royal seal of approval.

Direct Meats, which is based in Chappel, is an internationally-recognised butchery and curing firm which won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The Princess Royal visited the firm to present the award to the company.

It had won the accolade in 2020, but had been unable to have an official presentation previously due to Covid restrictions.

Martin Blackwell, founder and chief executive of Direct Meats, said he showed Princess Anne around the company’s meat preparation, curing and distribution plant.

It is there where meat from their own herds and those of their partners are processed into premium meat and charcuterie products.

The award recognises the impact Direct Meats has had on the market for premium quality UK meats abroad.

The princess met production and office staff as she toured the site.

As an landowner herself with her own herd of rare breed pigs, staff quickly found themselves discussing the finer points of the trade.

Mr Blackwell said: “I can’t overstress the importance of this award to ourselves and our customers.

“It will give us a terrific boost in international markets, opening the door to even more premium restaurant and retail customers around the world.

“And to our staff, this has been a day and an achievement, to remember - a reward for a lot of dedication, skill and hard work, from the bottom to the top.

“I am proud of what we have achieved and delighted that we have been given such a prestigious endorsement.”

Discussions were also had on the difficulties experienced by the hospitality sector since the onset of Covid.

The princess shared a conversation on the commitment the firm shows to its staff, in particular its young apprentices and heard of the staff’s repayment of that commitment through sheer hard work needed to overcome the challenges of the Covid pandemic.

After presenting the award in the presence of the entire site staff and receiving thanks on behalf of the workforce, the princess was presented with a selection of the company’s charcuterie products.