Celebrating Global Success: Percussion Play Receives King’s Award for Enterprise
On December 3, 2024, our team gathered to celebrate a monumental achievement. In a ceremony held at our new office and workshop at Dunsbury Park, Hampshire, we were officially awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2024. This recognition celebrates our growth in global markets and underscores our commitment to innovation.
A Royal Recognition
The award was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esq, who was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Simon Tufnell. Our Founders Jody Ashfield (CEO) and Robin Ashfield (Marketing Director) received the honor on behalf of our entire team. Following the presentation, the Lord-Lieutenant toured our new HQ, offering praise for the company’s achievements and the positive impact of their work worldwide.
During his visit, the Lord-Lieutenant learned about our handcrafted instruments, designed and built on-site and designed to be inclusive and accessible for individuals of all ages and abilities. He even had the opportunity to try out several of our instruments in our Music Suite, experiencing firsthand the joy they bring to communities worldwide.
International Growth
Since Percussion Play was founded over a decade ago, we have created more than 70 outdoor musical instruments. These instruments are now played in over 50 countries, enhancing spaces such as schools, parks, libraries, hospitals, and senior living communities. With nearly 90% of our products reaching international markets, we are now the world-leading designer and manufacturer of outdoor musical instruments.
The King’s Award for Enterprise recognizes this outstanding growth in international trade. His Majesty the King, following the Prime Minister’s recommendation, approved the honor in acknowledgment of our continued growth in overseas sales over the past three years. This marks our second royal recognition; we previously received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in 2021.
Our CEO, Jody Ashfield, shared his pride and gratitude: “It’s been a busy time for us at Percussion Play, and we are thrilled to celebrate our King’s Award in our new home. This recognition of our commercial success and growth is a testament to our amazing team’s hard work over the past three years, as well as the support of our global network of representatives. Our outdoor musical instruments are making a difference worldwide—in schools, parks, and beyond—supporting music therapy and education for people of all ages.”
HM Lord-Lieutenant echoed these sentiments, noting: “It’s a tremendous achievement to be recognized twice within this category. I congratulate the founders and staff on their success and wish them well for the future.”
