Royal approval! Queen's Award for Academy Old Boy

Ken Browne (52) Managing Director of Select Biosciences, told the Ballymena Times everyone at the company was delighted to receive such a prestigious national award which, he added, i”s recognition for the outstanding teamwork and dedication for all members of staff who have made it possible”.

He said: “Looking back I’m grateful to the staff of my old school for teaching me the old-fashioned virtues of hard work and perseverance which have served me well throughout my career.

“Since setting up in Sudbury, Suffolk with just two people 10 years ago, we now employ over 20 people. Last year we moved from our starter unit to our own new purpose-built offices.”

Select Biosciences, of Woodview, Bull Lane Industrial Estate, Sudbury was established by biochemist Ken Browne in 1999, to provide scientific consultancy services to the biomedical industry. Services provided include market reports, recruitment, training courses and conference organisation.

The company receives the Queen’s Award for the first time for growing overseas sales eleven-fold to 1.4million over six years.

Select Biosciences main markets are in Europe and the United States of America, with sales also made in India, Brazil and China.

The Queen’s Award notice in the London Gazette states: “This fine achievement reflects an effective marketing strategy based primarily on the internet and supported by active participation in trade events and staff training programmes.”

Ken said: “This is a tremendous boost for our company as we continue to seek new markets and opportunities for further expansion over the coming years”.

Ken’s mother, Mrs. Margaret Browne who, until her retirement, taught Maths at both the Academy and Cambridge House said: “ I was so thrilled to see the photo of Ken meeting the Queen. It’s a very proud moment for all the family”.