John Mason International in the UK has been awarded the first ever King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of its outstanding service in international trade.

This recognition from His Majesty the King comes as a testament to the company’s dedication to excellence in global relocation services.

This accolade, endorsed by His Majesty the King upon the Prime Minister's recommendation, commemorates a landmark achievement coinciding with the company's 140th anniversary this year.

Founded in 1884 by Mary Mason with just a horse and cart, the company initially delivered coal across the city of Liverpool. Today, John Mason International moves over 10,000 people each year to destinations such as Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, and the Middle East. This award celebrates John Mason International's extraordinary evolution from humble beginnings to orchestrating over one million moves.

As the most prestigious accolade for UK businesses, it places John Mason International among a select group of enterprises that have received this royal recognition since the inception of the awards in 1965. The award recognises John Mason International’s significant contribution to international trade, particularly during challenging economic times, and highlights its role in shaping the future of the moving industry with cutting-edge services and customer care.

In 2021, Simon Hood assumed ownership of John Mason International through a management buy-out (MBO). This marked a significant shift in leadership from the Mason family to a new direction, capable of navigating the company through various global challenges. Within just three years, both turnover and overseas sales more than doubled. Turnover increased from £6.6 million in 2020 to £13.5 million by 2022, while overseas sales rose from £5.6 million to £12.3 million. This remarkable growth significantly bolstered John Mason International’s global presence and influence.

Simon Hood, Owner, and Executive Director, reflected on the award. “We are profoundly honoured to receive such esteemed recognition for our work in the international moving sector,” he said. “This King’s Award for Enterprise is not only a recognition of our historic legacy and our innovative approach to relocation services but also our team's unwavering commitment to excellence. It reinforces our dedication to enhancing our services and continuing to exceed the expectations of our clients globally.”

Simon continued, “It’s a testament to where we can go when we remember where we’ve come from - from Mary Mason’s horse and cart to now moving over 10,000 people around the world each year. From coal dust to King's gold, the journey of John Mason International has been nothing short of a fairy tale. When I purchased the company in the midst of a global pandemic, if you had told me then that just three years later, we would be winning the UK’s most prestigious business awards, I would have never believed you. My four-year-old daughter, who loves Disney and is fascinated by kings and queens, can’t believe her Daddy is going to meet a real-life king!”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty the King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

Later this year, representatives from John Mason International will attend Windsor Castle to accept the award from His Majesty the King.

Photo:  Simon Hood.