Oceanair wins prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the fourth time

Luxury marine soft furnishings company Oceanair has been honoured with its fourth Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade. The prestigious business award celebrates British businesses and organisations which excel at international trade, innovation or sustainable development and winning businesses are hosted at a royal reception each summer.

Founded in 1990, Oceanair Marine Limited specialises in bespoke blinds and soft furnishing within the marine industry, and is particularly known for furnishing superyachts and vehicles. It previously won the award in 2001, 2005 and 2008, before coming under new ownership by Swedish mobile living company Dometic in 2017.

"2018 has been a fantastic year for Oceanair so far, having made substantial advances to our manufacturing facility, resulting in improved profits – the Holy Grail for any business," said Andy Fitzgerald, founder and now managing director of Oceanair.

"I am immensely proud to have founded and managed such an innovative and successful company for 28 years, having had a constant support network of dedicated staff with me throughout that time," he continued. "I am pleased that Oceanair is continuing to uphold a prominent position in UK business, showcasing the very best in local talent and capabilities. The Queens Award symbolises excellence and heritage; what an honour to have been awarded our fourth.” >>

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The company's product line is exported to more than 37 countries and supplies internationally renowned brands including Sunseeker, which awarded the firm a 'Supplier of the Year' accolade, Fairline and Princess Yachts, while one-off custom builders – including Devonport and Pendennis shipyards, Alloy Yachts, Holland Yachbouw, Nautor, CNB, Wally and Baltic Yachts – all fit Oceanair equipment.

"We have worked hard over the past few years to design and manufacture products which would be practical and good looking, " said Fitzgerald. The firm employs 200 people at its Selsey, West Sussex, manufactory, and distribution office in the U.S.