Double Queen’s Award Winner
The “baked bean tin” with global appeal
An idea based on the humble baked bean tin has landed Blackpool-based TISS Ltd
its second Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
The family-owned firm is celebrating after achieving the ‘Innovation Award’ for its TankSafe™ ‘Optimum’ device, the prototype of which was developed and tested in the CEO’s garden shed – and has now become a global market-leader.
TISS is now in the rare group of companies that proudly hold two prestigious Queen’s Awards concurrently, having won the International Trade category in 2014 for its TankSafe™ ‘Optimum’ device which is the only fuel security device in the world that completely prevents any fuel siphoning, skimming and spillages.
The device has been on a global journey since the launch of the original ‘Impregnable’ in 2006. Through regular liaison with their global network of customers, distributors and OEM partners, TISS has made constant improvements to the device. A 12thgeneration TankSafe™ ‘Optimum’ model is scheduled for release later this year.
The ‘Optimum’ is now sold in over 60 territories globally and is available as 63 variations, enabling fitment to any commercial vehicle around the world.
Following the 2014 Queen’s Award TISS have now secured a number of high-profile factory contracts with world-leading OEMs for its ‘Optimum’ device. It has also led to sustained investment in the company, which employs 12 staff, which has now moved into purpose-built offices, workshop and testing facilities in Blackpool’s expanding Enterprise Zone.
The importance of Corporate Social Responsibility in recent years by big brands such as Tesco and Sainsbury’s have led them to incorporate the use of TankSafe™ Optimum devices to prevent fuel spills and comply with their strict Health and Safety and Environment policies.
Ryan Wholey, CEO of TISS, said:
“We are delighted to win our second Queen’s Award in four years. This is testament to the hard work of the team here at TISS, the way we communicate with our customers around the world and how we adapt the product to their needs in the ever-changing environments they work in. To win two awards is a fantastic achievement for a business which was only formed in 2001 and the prestige of these awards will assist us with our expansion plans.”
TISS Director Matthew Rose added:
“Winning the International Trade award in 2014 was an incredible achievement and massively helped increase our profile globally. Our innovations have made us the global leader in our industry and we look forward to the opportunities the Queen’s Award affords us in the coming months and years.”