AES Solar were announced as the winners of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in April of 2022. The award recognises its efforts in Sustainable Development, as a solar panel manufacturer and installer operating in the North of Scotland.

The award was presented to managing director George Goudsmit by Major General the Honourable Seymour Monro CBE LVO, Lord Lieutenant of Moray on behalf of His Majesty The King. This year the trophy features a contemporary crackle design, introduced for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Jubilee year. Each trophy is handmade and the new crackle effect means no two trophies are the same.

After a series of short addresses by George Goudsmit and the Lord-Lieutenant of Moray at our Queen’s Award Presentation, we celebrated our business successes with a breakfast buffet celebration at Horizon Scotland at the Forres Enterprise Park.

Staff and supporters of the company gathered to mark the special occasion. This included friend of the company and solar fan, Ruby Wax. Ruby became connected to AES Solar and George through her links to The Findhorn Foundation.

Seymour Monro, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, said: “We were all delighted when AES Solar were awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise on the 21st of April last year-Her late Majesty’s Birthday. It is very special that it is in the Sustainable Development category as this area is so important for us all in today’s world.

“Today AES Solar is the only designer and manufacturer of flat plate solar thermal panels in the UK. And it is only the 5th Moray company to be awarded the QAE in the last 10 years.

“I am thrilled to be presenting this award on behalf of The King to the brilliant AES Solar team so superbly led by George Goudsmit. We in Moray are very proud of this great achievement.”

AES Solar’s managing director George Goudsmit, added: “In AES Solar’s 44 years of operating and indeed the 34 years I have managed the company this is undoubtedly one of our proudest days. We have had 11 months of relishing our Queen’s Award winner status. Today we take home the official award following today’s presentation. This is especially poignant given the sad passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September of last year.

“It is no surprise we hold sustainability at the core of our business operations. This award, however, not only recognises our commitment to sustainability. It also increases awareness of the tremendous potential for solar energy across the country. We now fly the flag for Scottish solar and The Queen’s Award for Enterprise!

“I was delighted to share today’s event with just a few of our many supporters. They have encouraged us throughout The Queen’s Awards and during our 44-year history. And the staff whose hard work, dedication, and utter enthusiasm made this all possible. This is for them. We look forward to all that we can achieve now with our Queen’s Award-winning status.”