A CONSULTANCY group from Romsey received a Queens Honorary Award on Friday September 24 for the Enterprise in the International Trade Category.

The Renewables Consultancy Group were recognised as winners in this category for their significant growth in sales overseas.

At the ceremony, which was held at the Broadlands Estate, Romsey at 12:00, the Lord Lieutenant Nigel Atkinson Esquire presented the award to Dan Pearson, chief strategy officer at RCG.

Dan said: “It’s extremely gratifying. I do feel we have deserved this knowing how hard the team have worked. Being recognised was a real icing on the cake.

“We started out in Romsey with just a little office of about 3 or 4 desks. Never did we think the business would do as well as it did. Everyone’s proud to be an RCG’r as we call them.”

Presenting the award, Lt Nigel Atkinson Esq said: “It’s a huge pleasure to be able to present this award. I was thrilled you were an award winner.

“I was interested to see your partner network, and this has clearly made you customer focused, it’s in your DNA.

“It’s the most prestigious business award. Widely recognised across the world, really take advantage of this. It’s a very special award. I congratulate you.”

Along with Lt Atkinson, Lady Mountbatten and the deputy Lt, Andrew Kent, the executive team of RCG attended the ceremony with Dan to receive the award on behalf of all RCG employees.

Sebastien Chivers, CEO was unable to attend the ceremony but, in a statement, he said: “We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious award for international trade. RCG was established in 2015 with a clear mission of building the most respected renewable energy advisory firm, on a global scale.

“Receiving this Royal recognition is a huge honour, and the ultimate endorsement of our position as a trusted advisor to our clients.

“From New York to London to Tokyo, our outstanding team of engineers, economists and scientists is playing a pivotal role in the transition to a net zero economy.

“This award belongs to every employee who has been part of our journey to date. We look forward to continuing our global expansion, proudly as a Queen’s Award recipient.”

The business started as just a small group with brothers Nick and Sebastien Chivers who is the CEO of RCG and father Alan Chivers, who is the chairman along with friends they had made during the earlier stages of their careers.

Dan explained during the toast how important the groups culture is and how they try to employ staff local to Romsey which is where it all began and although they work with clients across the world, Covid did not stop them.

They were able to quickly adapt to the ways of online meetings which in some ways had a positive effect on the way they worked allowing for better use of their time, travelling less and speaking with clients more.

The team also introduced a buddy system amongst staff, pairing them up online not only for mentoring purposes but for the team to connect with people outside their own departments.

Dan feels the next step for the team should be to win the Sustainability Award and he is confident they can do it.