YATE business owners Kate Richards and Douglas King had a date of a royal nature as they attended a reception at Buckingham Palace.

The pair, both directors of Precision Dippings Manufacturing, were invited to the reception at the palace after winning The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for their pioneering waterproof protector for plaster casts. 

Bloccs are used by patients recovering from injuries who would not otherwise by able to have a bath or shower and have become so popular the company won a contract to have them stocked by High Street retailer Boots on their website. 

Kate said: “We’re so proud to have received this recognition. Meeting The Queen this week was a very special privilege indeed.

“Bloccs are the first product we’ve designed, marketed and sold to consumers.

“Every year, they help thousands of people during injury recover, to be more independent and continue to enjoy much awaited holidays.” 

She said the product’s growth had exceeded all expectations and The Queen’s Award win could provide a springboard for further success.

“We see potential for growth in Australia and the United States,” she added.

Precision Dippings, based on Stover Road Trading Estate, supplies rubber products and dip moulded components used in healthcare, dental, industrial and marine markets across the world.