THE joint chairmen of an Andover-based stairlift manufacturing company have been recognised for their services to British manufacturing in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

In Stannah’s 150th year of business, fourth generation business leaders Brian and Alan Stannah have been awarded MBEs.

The brothers have worked together for 54 years, turning around the fortunes of the ailing business in the 1960s and transforming Stannah into a household name. With complementary sales and engineering expertise, Brian and Alan were the masterminds behind the stairlift, Stannah’s most famous product.

In the 1970s they worked together to produce and launch the stairlift going on to sell over 600,000 worldwide since. They then developed the Maxilift, an innovative range of passenger lifts which quickly became extremely popular and a core product for the business.

Today, Stannah operates in 40 countries worldwide and employs almost 2,000 people, with the support of the fifth generation of the family.

The brothers have also spent the past 50 years supporting local charities, donating their time and considerable sums to causes including Icknield Special School, Alton College’s Building Futures Fundraising Appeal, the Jubilee Sailing Trust, Riding for the Disabled and The Prince’s Trust.

Speaking about the honour, Brian and Alan Stannah said: “We are deeply humbled to be the recipients of such an honour. A steadfast commitment to innovation, quality and customer service has been the guiding principles of our family business and are as relevant today as they were when we joined the business.

“Our hard-working and loyal colleagues have been integral to upholding these values over the years, and to them we are truly grateful.”

Brian’s son and managing director of Stannah, Jon Stannah, added: “Stannah this year celebrates its landmark 150th year thanks to the entrepreneurialism and dedication of our joint chairmen, Brian and Alan. Their MBEs are richly deserved and we are tremendously proud of their incredible achievements, both today and over the course of their 50-plus years."