Businesses in the UK with royal warrants: which counties produce the most royal-approving businesses?
With Christmas around the corner, there is a greater emphasis on supporting local businesses than ever – and rightly so! But which region in the UK has the most local businesses with the royal seal of approval in the form of an awarded Royal Warrant? Premier Inn has revealed all in its latest royal study, looking into what products are used and approved by the monarchy – just like its own Hypnos mattresses – and which part of the UK is producing the most of these elite goods.
The British monarchy has fascinated the public for hundreds of years, but behind the glamour there is a huge amount of domestic work that goes into running the royal households. Over 700 companies provide goods and services to the royals; luxury goods that one might expect such as Cartier, Aston Martin and Bollinger, but also more domestic companies have also been awarded Royal Warrants for supplying more ‘everyday’ items such as foodstuffs, fire alarms, IT services, dry cleaners and even toilet rolls!
The new research by Premier Inn has analysed the addresses of 723 companies who hold a Royal Warrant to reveal where in the UK makes the most of these royally approved goods.
- Greater London (195 Royal Warrant holders)
- Norfolk (44 Royal Warrant holders)
- Berkshire (33 Royal Warrant holders)
- Aberdeenshire (29 Royal Warrant holders)
- Hertfordshire (22 Royal Warrant holders)
- Surrey (22 Royal Warrant holders)
- Hampshire (21 Royal Warrant holders)
- Buckinghamshire (19 Royal Warrant holders)
- Kent (18 Royal Warrant holders)
- Wiltshire (15 Royal Warrant holders)
A spokesperson from Premier Inn commented: “We are proud our mattresses are exclusively supplied by a Royal Warrant holder and it got us to thinking about all the products used by the royal household. The findings really highlight the fantastic businesses that are located all across the UK, not just in the major cities. This research highlights the quality businesses founded in more rural counties such as Norfolk and Aberdeenshire. It’s also fantastic to note that while there are many high-end luxury items which enjoy the royal seal of approval, you might find many more ‘everyday’ items in your own home also enjoy the prestigious recognition.”
Live like a royal
There are some well-known brands that many British nationals may use every day without knowing that they are Royal Warrant holders. It’s actually a lot easier to ‘live like a royal’ than one might think. Crown Paint, Gordon’s Gin, Schweppes tonic, Pimm’s, Cadbury’s, Ryvita, Twinings Tea and Hypnos™ are all examples of household name businesses which hold a Royal Warrant.
About the winning counties…
Greater London has an impressive 195 Royal Warrant holders. The Queen seems to be a fan of Elizabeth Arden and Clarins cosmetics that are based in the area, while Krug, Lanson, Moet & Chandon and Veuve Cliquot champagne suppliers also all make the list with head offices in the capital.
Norfolk, home to the Sandringham Estate, Her Majesty The Queen’s country retreat, has 44 companies boasting a royal seal. Royal Warrants have been granted to Norfolk-based companies such as Darby Nurseries for their garden plants, George Goddard Ltd for tailoring, Magpie Locksmiths for security services and Sandringham Apple Juice which is served at Buckingham Palace and Holyrood.
Berkshire has 37 Royal Warrants distributed amongst its businesses. As the home county of Windsor Castle, the Royal County of Berkshire was bound to feature highly on the list. Darvilles of Windsor have held a Royal Warrant to supply groceries to the Queen for more than 60 years, Montmartre create fine, hand-made patisseries for her Majesty, and So Chic luxury goods supplier are renowned for their stunning interior design services.
Aberdeenshire is home to 35 Royal Warrants holders from either HRH The Prince of Wales or HM The Queen and is home to the Balmoral, one of Her Majesty The Queen’s private residences. The companies vary from outdoor clothing store Braemer Mountain Sports, to organic butchery Wark Farm, and Cockers who supply award-winning roses.
Hertfordshire is home to 22 Royal Warrant businesses, including Autogym – car care suppliers to both the Queen and Prince of Wales. Charles Perry Restorations Ltd are able to help Her Majesty with any repairs needed to her antique furniture, and she feeds her beloved pets with produce from Gilbertson & Page Ltd in Welwyn Garden City.
Great Scot!
In terms of population size, the Scottish counties produce the most products for the royal family per head. Despite its small population, Glamorgan has six businesses with the royal seal of approval including Tom Smith Christmas crackers and Mitre Linen Ltd. East Lothian also has a high density of royal businesses considering its population, providing the Queen with floral displays from Judy Reid Flowers, and display cases from ClickNetherfield. Angus has four Royal Warrants across an interesting range of services, from M Lingard Gunmakers, who supply the household of The Prince of Wales to RR Spink & Sons, the official fishmongers to the Queen.
Proud to be British
Outside of London, The Queen uses Norfolk products and services the most, the Prince of Wales uses products and services from Gloucestershire the most, and the Duke of Edinburgh uses products and services from Nottinghamshire the most.
