John Packer Ltd honoured with King’s Award for Enterprise for second time
John Packer Ltd, the UK-based musical instrument manufacturer, distributor and retailer, has won the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, recognising the outstanding international growth of the flourishing business.
The company was announced as a recipient of the major honour on Tuesday, May 6.
It is the second time John Packer Ltd has won the award, having received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category in 2018.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.
Rob Hanson, managing director of John Packer Ltd, will now be invited to attend a royal reception at Windsor Castle. He commented: “To win the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for a second time is a huge honour for JP Musical Instruments.
“The business has grown demonstrably over the past few years, welcoming prestigious brands to our stable, and showing a tremendous level of agility and resilience in what is a fast-paced and continually-evolving international trading landscape.
“We remain grateful to our customers all over the world for their continued support, as John Packer Musical Instruments will continue to reach new musicians and audiences globally in the months and years to come.”
News of the King’s Award comes after John Packer Ltd celebrated its 50th anniversary year in 2024 with a series of major milestones.
In January 2024, the company won a prestigious Best in Show award at the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) Show in Anaheim, California.
Also that month, John Packer Ltd acquired English trombone manufacturer, Michael Rath Trombones.
The agreement ensured continued UK manufacture of the world’s finest trombones from Rath’s factory in Yorkshire, while retaining Rath’s focus as a maker of outstanding, bespoke trombones, the choice of leading symphonic, commercial and studio trombonists all over the world.
In September 2024, John Packer Ltd acquired English trumpet manufacturer Taylor Trumpets, further sustaining UK manufacturing by ensuring Taylor Trumpets could continue to build stunning, hand-crafted trumpets, cornets and flugelhorns from its factory in Norfolk.
Rob Hanson continued: “Rath Trombones and Taylor Trumpets are highly respected brands, known internationally for the quality of their instruments, hand-crafted in the UK. It’s a huge honour to have sustained the UK manufacturing base with the acquisition of these prestigious brands, exporting these in-demand instruments to professional performers and enthusiasts all over the world.”
Further expansion for John Packer Ltd has come in recent months, with the purchase of historic brands in Sterling Musical Instruments, and the Rudall Carte woodwind range. Strengthening and building on the legacy of those treasured UK brands will see Sterling and Rudall Carte continue to reach new generations of brass and woodwind players all over the world.
The addition of Rath Trombones, Taylor Trumpets, Sterling Musical Instruments and Rudall Carte has seen John Packer Ltd establish itself as a manufacturer, distributor and retailer of some of the world’s finest brass and woodwind instruments, catering for everyone from the beginner taking the first steps in their musical journey, to the acclaimed professional performing in concert halls and theatres far and wide, via its global dealer network.
Some 197 businesses have been honoured in the 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise, which recognise outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.
More information on the products and services on offer from John Packer Ltd is at: www.johnpacker.co.uk.
Find out more about Rath Trombones: www.rathtrombones.com.
More information on Taylor Trumpets is at: www.taylortrumpets.com.