Wednesday June the 15th marked GDS' first visit by a representative of the queen – Dame Mary Fagan, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire. On this occasion it was the presentation ceremony for winning the Queens Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2011.
The day started with a host of guests, suppliers and staff all mingling together in great anticipation of our special guests. First to arrive was the Lord-Lieutenant's Cadet George Harker-Smith, followed by the Deputy Lieutenant Khalid Aziz, both whom were dressed in full regalia. The Lord-Lieutenant Dame Mary Fagan then arrived to a traditional welcome from the Deputy Lieutenant and Cadet before being met by our HR Director Jenny Hooker.
After a meet and greet with the staff, a tour of the offices and products, the Lord-Lieutenant and her Deputy started the formal presentation ceremony.
Following a brief overview of the company by the founder, Bruce Menzies, we heard a company citation read by the Deputy Lieutenant. The Grant of appointment was then read from a scroll by the cadet before Dame Mary Fagan presented Bruce with the glass chalice and said some kind words. The formalities were concluded with a speech from Patrick Hooker the companies Chairman & Chief Executive.
After the presentation, the royal party then spent time mingling with guests and staff. The event was a success and a great celebration for all the staff and management team at GDS.