It’s awarded to only a handful of companies each year, but the creators of pBone – the world’s first plastic trombone which is played across the globe – can now boast their invention has Royal approval following their visit to Buckingham Palace, home of HM The Queen.
British musicians and entrepreneurs Steven Greenall and Chris Fower were invited to Buckingham Palace to meet with HRH Prince Charles at a royal reception to mark pBone being awarded The Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation – the highest commendation available to British business.The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are recognised worldwide for the outstanding achievements of UK businesses.
Since first going on sale in late 2010, more than 250,000 of the brightly coloured, light-weight instruments have been sold becoming the largest-selling trombone worldwide. Several retailers have reported that 80% of trombones sold are now manufactured in recyclable ABS plastic by Warwick Music Group.
“Our aim was simple – to create a quality instrument to make the joy of music accessible and fun, to help more people to enjoy making music together – and to be able to start at whatever age they might choose,” said Steven Greenall, chief executive of Warwick Music Group who discussed the creation with Prince Charles.
“Receiving the Queen’s Award for pBone – and an invitation to the Palace – is fantastic recognition for everyone in Britain and worldwide including musicians, entrepreneurs and enthusiasts who helped the idea become a reality,” said Steven.
“As musicians, we knew traditional brass instruments were heavy, costly – and easily damaged. We knew too that sales of traditional brass instruments were declining, and that bands and orchestras worldwide were reporting a shortage of brass players.
“So we set out to do something about it. pBone has been just the start but without it, we could not have developed pTrumpet, pCornet and the pBuzz – a brand new instrument designed specifically for children as young as three to enable them to start their brass playing journey.
“We believe in the transformational power of music and that everyone should have the opportunity to make music. By thinking differently, we have made a real difference in the world; we are delighted that the passion, creativity and hard work of our small team has been recognised.”
The company’s success in world markets has also resulted in Warwick Music Group being designated an Export Champion for the UK. The UK’s Department for International Trade’s ‘Exporting is Great’ campaign encourages UK businesses to look to worldwide markets. Warwick Music Group has increased its export sales by more than 12% in just 12 months targeting its principal export markets of North America, Europe, Asia and Oceania. The brass and wind instrument company is also working with British Consuls to help increase awareness and sales of its innovative instruments.
