DORSET success story Neal’s Yard Remedies has been named International Business of the Year at the prestigious Solent 250 Awards.

The business, founded in 1981, harnesses the power of the finest natural and organic, ethically sourced herbs, botanicals and essential oils to make award-winning collections.

It has become a global leader with a growing presence across five continents.

The Solent 250 is a yearly listing of privately owned Solent businesses ranked by sales turnover.

The list is compiled by print publication The Business Magazine.

Richard Thompson, managing director of The Business Magazine, said: “We’re pleased to present the International Business of the Year award to Neal’s Yard Remedies.

“They have brought their vision from Dorset and the UK to multiple global markets with such success.”

Neal’s Yard Remedies was founded by natural health advocate Romy Fraser in Covent Garden, London.
It was acquired by its present owners, the Kindersley family, 17 years ago.

Known for its distinctive blue bottles, the business was the first health and beauty brand to receive 100/100 for ethics by The Ethical Company Organisation in 2014.

It has six commercial locations in the county – Bournemouth, Bridport, Dorchester, Ferndown, Gillingham and Shaftesbury – with its eco factory, offices and a store at Peacemarsh near Gillingham.

The eco headquarters is set in acres of organic gardens, fields and meadows where the organic calendula, St John’s wort, verbena and lemon balm used in many of its favourite products is grown.

The Solent 250 private dinner and awards ceremony was held at the Southampton Harbour Hotel & Spa.

Guest speakers were Mark McDonald, head of Data Science and Analytics for HSBC Global Research, and Roland Emmans, who heads up HSBC’s Technology Sector & Growth Lending Teams.

The International Business of the Year Award was presented by Leila Jundi, business development director for HSBC UK.