A Royal Occasion: Merci Maman collects their Second Queen’s Award!

2020 saw Merci Maman as a company achieve massive growth and success. A result of this success is being awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category for a second time! We are absolutely belated to have achieved this prestigious milestone for a second time and it is definitely one of the most memorable moments of our year.

From starting in Béatrice’s kitchen in 2007 to now having a team of over 50 people spread across our London, Paris and Berlin offices, Merci Maman has had quite the journey. Keep reading to see some of our biggest milestones.

The Award

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is given to British-based businesses and organisations that offer exceptional: international trade, innovation, promoting opportunity through social mobility and sustainable development. As a result of its exceptional status, it is the highest official UK award for British businesses and has been presented by the Queen since 1966. Consequently, Merci Maman is honoured to have been presented with this award for a second time, and as a brand we continue to strive and reach newer heights every day.

Unfortunately due to COVID-19, a ceremony to collect the award was not held last year. However, today is finally the day where our founder, Béatrice de Montille heads to Windsor Castle to accept the prestigious award from H.R.H The Prince of Wales and represent our brand!

Our Story

Béatrice created the first Merci Maman bracelet in 2007 at her kitchen table in Fulham, London with the intention to create uniquely personalised gifts that celebrate motherhood and cherish the special moments between a mother and her child.

Subsequently, In 2011 we moved into our first office located in Fulham, London. It’s from this office where we lovingly make, engrave, pack and send all the orders placed through the UK website!

In 2014 media attention suddenly surrounded the brand after the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was spotted wearing a Merci Maman necklace that was gifted to her by sister Pippa. As a result of what some call ‘The Kate Effect’, the necklace has been aptly named The Duchess Necklace in her honour. After all this time, 7 years later it’s still one of our bestsellers!

In 2017, Merci Maman received the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade for the first time. This is certainly one of our biggest highlights as a brand! Additionally, our founders Béatrice and Arnaud were presented with the award at Buckingham Palace!

Today as Béatrice heads to Windsor to collect her award and we hold celebrations in our London office, we take a moment to look back at all the things we have managed to achieve as a company. From our very first bracelet up till now, we have taken great care in our craftsmanship. Above all we pride ourselves in the service we provide to you! Our loyal customers who we hope to share many more milestones with.

FAQ

What is the Queen's Award for Enterprise?

The Queen's Award for Enterprise is a prestigious official British award for UK-based companies and organisations. 

The award is given in four categories: International Trade, Innovation, Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility, and Sustainable Development. Merci Maman received the award in the International Trade category.

Why did Merci Maman receive the Queen's Award for Enterprise?

Merci Maman received the Queen's Award for Enterprise because of its exceptional success and growth in the field of international trade. This recognition highlights the company's excellence in its international activities.

What has been Merci Maman's history since it was founded?

Merci Maman was founded in 2007 by Béatrice de Montille, who created the first bracelet on her kitchen table in Fulham, London. Since then, the company has experienced remarkable growth, with offices in London, Paris and Berlin, and a team of over 50 people. 

In 2011, the company moved to its first office in Fulham, and in 2014 it experienced a surge in popularity thanks to the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, wearing one of our necklaces.

What are the main chapters in the Merci Maman story?

Some key milestones include:

• The creation of the first bracelet in 2007;
• Opening the first office in 2011;
• Media recognition in 2014 after Kate Middleton wore a Merci Maman necklace;
• Receiving the first Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2017;
• Receiving the second Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2020.

What is the Duchess Necklace and why is it famous?

The Duchess Necklace is a Merci Maman necklace that the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, was seen wearing in 2014. The necklace was a gift from her sister, Pippa, and helped to increase the popularity of the brand. The necklace has become a bestseller and is named ‘Duchess Necklace’ in her honour.

How did Merci Maman manage the awards during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Queen's Award ceremony could not take place in 2020. However, Béatrice de Montille, the founder, travelled to Windsor Castle to receive the award from HRH The Prince of Wales when conditions allowed.

What are Merci Maman's future plans after receiving the Queen's Award?

We continue to aim for new heights and focus on the quality of our products and services. We plan to continue to innovate and expand into the international market while maintaining a high level of expertise and customer service.

How does Merci Maman ensure the quality of its products?

From the outset, we have placed great emphasis on the quality of our craftsmanship. All our products are manufactured, engraved, packaged and shipped with care from our offices. Attention to detail and customer satisfaction are at the heart of our mission.

What does it mean for Merci Maman to receive the Queen's Award?

Receiving the Queen's Award for Enterprise for the second time is a huge honour for Merci Maman. It is recognition of our success and continued growth in international trade. It is a validation of our efforts and commitment to excellence.