His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent paid a visit to Liverpool, UK-based cooking appliance manufacturer Belling in late July as part of the brand's 100th birthday celebrations.
Charles Reginald Belling founded the Belling appliance brand in 1912 with 150 British pounds. From a shed in Enfield and one assistant, the business grew to become one of the UK's best known appliance brands and today has multi-million pound turnover, worldwide exports, and more than 1000 employees in the UK.
The Duke was given a full tour of Belling headquarters and its cooking appliances factory. He was also on-hand for a cookery demonstration by chef and Belling brand ambassador Brian Turner.
The Duke officially presented Belling parent company, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, with the Queen's Award for Enterprise. The award was announced earlier in the year after overseas sales of its British-made products increased by 880%.
"Belling has a rich heritage and has played an important role in British manufacture for the past century," said Denver Hewlett, chief executive of Belling. "It was fantastic to be able to commemorate this by showing the Duke how our appliances are made right here in Liverpool and give our dedicated and hardworking staff the opportunity to be part of this momentous day."