Latest News | 5 May 2021
HUUB makes a splash with Queen’s Award for Innovation win
Global triathlon and cycling brand HUUB, which began on the kitchen table of founder Dean Jackson less than a decade ago, has been awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation.
The awards are the most prestigious in the UK and celebrate the success of exciting businesses which are leading the way with pioneering products or services.
HUUB, which is based in Full Street, Derby, was put under the microscope of a stringent panel of judges before they passed their recommendation to Her Majesty for approval.
Its wetsuits are chosen by the world’s most elite triathletes, keep-fit enthusiasts and weekend amateur competitors.
Dean said: “To be recognised in the Queen’s Awards really is amazing.
“I would never have dreamed when starting this business on my kitchen table nine years ago that we would be recognised for what really makes HUUB special – our innovation.”
With innovation through science, HUUB has helped athletes win Olympic medals and world championships, while its suits have become popular with cyclists, runners and swimmers of all levels, worldwide.
Founder Dean is the epitome of entrepreneurial spirit, having left school with two O Levels.
Without further education or a business degree, he has had to work with total dedication to be successful in the industry, which became his passion.
In the beginning, Dean sat at his kitchen table with a sketch pad and a desire to overhaul the triathlon wetsuit.
There he designed the Archimedes suit which became the building block of all future HUUB products.
Dean said: “We constantly strive to make athletes better and faster and our sport more fulfilling.
“We are relentless in the pursuit of performance and innovation sits at the heart of everything we do.
“I’d like to thank the team for driving our ambition and aspirations to be the very best in our field and for believing in the crazy ideas that drive innovation and experimentation.
“There is a saying. ‘If you do what you did, you get what you got’ and we believe that to make innovative change you need to do, think and explore where others have failed to go or failed to see the benefit.
“Winning the Queen's award really is for the whole business. It’s a reflection of the team’s dedication to pushing thinking and challenging the norm.”
The Queen's Awards are the most prestigious gongs for British businesses and have been handed out every year since 1966.
They are given to companies from across the country who excel at international trade, innovation, sustainable development or promoting opportunity through social mobility.
Last year, Marketing Derby was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation – the same honour that has now been bestowed on HUUB.
When a business wins, directors are invited to a Royal reception and presented with the award at their company by one of The Queen’s representatives, a Lord Lieutenant.
The business is also able to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials such as packaging, advertisements, stationery and website.
The company is also given a Grant of Appointment, an official certificate, and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for five years.
The Queen’s representative, Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Liz Fothergill, said: “I would like to congratulate HUUB for winning this very prestigious award.”
