On the 21st April 2012, the Queen’s Birthday, Niche products were granted the Queens Award for Enterprise. The category of the award was for Innovation and specifically the section for ‘continuous innovation and development, sustained over a period not less than 5 years’. This recognises two key parts of the Niche Products success story:

      We have brought to the subsea hydraulic fluid market several innovations within our Pelagic range, some of which have received patents.

      These innovations have been commercially viable, with our customers recognising the technical advancements that our fluids offer.

Commenting on the award, Company Founder Tom McKechnie said ‘Our company is providing environmentally superior products to the highest possible standards measurable in our industry and we are all very proud as individuals and as a company to be recognised for our efforts in this field. This is a success story for Niche and for the offshore industry at large as it proves our commitment to minimising environmental pollution during drilling and production operations. To have our efforts recognised by her Majesty the Queen is a true honour, particularly in this special Jubilee Year, and is something every person in our company will treasure for a very long time’.

Scottish MPs were keen to comment on the award and Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said, “Scotland’s offshore industry is a vital part of our nation’s economy and innovation has been at its heart since the first oil was discovered. Innovation remains important today as the remaining oil and gas supplies are becoming increasingly more difficult to extract. This prestigious award recognises innovation in the equally important field of environmental protection and I’d like to congratulate Niche Products for their efforts to support our offshore industry while also protecting our precious environment.”

Finance Secretary John Swinney added “Scotland is recognised for its contribution to shaping the modern world through innovation and research and the Scottish Government works closely with universities, research institutes and industry to ensure the country continues to be a competitive hotbed of ideas. I am delighted that Niche Products Ltd’s work has been recognised and celebrated through the Queens Award for Innovation 2012. This is a tremendous achievement for this growing firm, which is working hard to develop products that protect our environment. I would like to congratulate Tom McKechnie and all the staff at Niche Products on this prestigious accolade.”

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise honour outstanding UK companies and encourage the development of British business and Niche Products are proud to be linked to current and previous winners. The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are awarded to businesses in three categories: international trade, innovation and sustainable development. The Awards are the UK’s highest accolade for business success and they are made each year by The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister. He is also assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions.

Winners are announced each year on 21 April, Her Majesty's birthday and the winners receive a range of benefits including worldwide recognition and extensive press coverage. The Queen also invites winners to a reception at Buckingham Palace.