THE owners of a thriving Warrington business have picked up their OBEs from Prince Charles at Buckingham Palace.

Wendy and David Maisey own ICC Solutions and were appointed OBEs in the 2020 New Year Honours list.

On Thursday, they travelled to London for the ceremony with their family.

Wendy said: "I grew up on a council estate and I am the first person in my family to receive an honour.

"To be recognised for our commitment and services to the UK economy and international trade is so humbling, to be at the Palace with my family means the world to me. "We work hard to create employment and opportunities for people in Warrington, and we’re looking forward to a celebration that we have planned at the end of the month."

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David added: "It was a surreal day, we’ve been to the Palace before as ICC Solutions has been granted four Queens Awards for Enterprise previously for international trade and innovation, but this was very personal and special.

"To also have our longest serving member of staff with us Paula Turner, who has been with ICC Solutions for more than 23 years, was the icing on the cake. We feel it’s very much a team effort."

Warrington Guardian:

The couple at the Palace

ICC Solutions employs around 45 highly skilled people at St James Business Centre off Wilderspool Causeway.

It has also successfully developed an exporting skill, which helps young people achieve their skill section of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through international trade education.

The couple support charities including The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and Warrington Youth Club.

In the 2019 General Election, Wendy stood for the Conservative Party in Warrington North and came close to pulling off what would have been one of the big shocks of the night, reducing the Labour majority from almost 10,000 to 1,509.