Diamond Jubilee Medal to be produced in the West Midlands
Tuesday 29 November 2011
Full size Diamond Jubilee Medal with box.
A £7million contract to produce the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal has been awarded to a consortium of small businesses led by Worcestershire Medal Service, Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt announced today.
The consortium is made up of a group of Royal Warrant holders and the contract was awarded following a full tender process in accordance with EU procurement rules.
Ribbon being made on Toye Kenning & Spencer looms in Bedworth, England.
Jeremy Hunt said:
“I’m delighted that not only will the Diamond Jubilee medal be made in the UK but that it will support the growth of a number of small businesses in the West Midlands at a time when we need to do all we can to boost economic growth.
“These medals are being awarded as a mark of thanks to those who give so much in the name of society and public service, and I’m sure they will be made with as much care and pride as is shown by those who will go on to wear them.”
It’s expected that the medals will start to be delivered from February next year.
Worcestershire Medal Service, which owns the Gladman and Norman factory in Birmingham, joined forces with two other Jewellery Quarter companies - Toye, Kenning and Spencer, and Thomas Fattorini - to compete for the business.
“We thought rather than fight against one another it would be better to try and tender for work together,” Mr McDermott said.
Mr McDermott said the contract would also benefit the wider regional economy.
“The ribbon is woven in Bedworth and we’ve bought metal in from Northampton. The boxes are also made in the Midlands,” he said.
All three companies involved hold Royal warrants and it is not the first time WMS has produced state medals.
Diamond Jubilee Ribbon ready to go.
