Blk Box, a leading strength equipment manufacturer known for creating and delivering world-class training facilities, is among the first group of Northern Irish companies to be honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

The selection process involved independent judges evaluating nominees based on criteria such as international sales growth, market penetration and innovation.

Blk Box won the award for excellence in International Trade, particularly for Outstanding Growth in overseas sales. Since 2018, the company has experienced a remarkable 251 per cent increase in overseas sales.

Founded in 2012 by Gregory Bradley – who identified a gap in the market for strength equipment, Blk Boxis now a leading company in the fitness equipment sector, receiving domestic and global recognition with an impressive client portfolio including Adidas, Nike, Irish Rugby, Manchester United FC, Arsenal FC, Loughborough University and Bulgari Hotels.

In April 2022, Blk Box secured an exclusive global supply contract with PureGym for functional, free-weights, studio, and accessory equipment.

This partnership covers an extensive portfolio of over 500 gyms across the UK and Europe, catering to more than 1.8 million members. The global contract award underscores the strength of the partnership between the two brands, which was originally formed in 2019 when Blk Box was contracted to create a functional training concept for its UK estate.

Blk Box is a dynamic business with a workforce obsessive about health and fitness, employing 80 staff at its 130,000sq ft headquarters in Newtownabbey, Belfast.

In 2021, the company made a £2.5 million investment to enhance manufacturing capabilities, including new CNC Lasers, Robotic Welding and an environmentally friendly powder coating line, establishing Blk Box as one of the most technologically advanced and sustainable equipment manufacturers in Europe.

Bradley commented: “We’re exceptionally proud to receive the inaugural King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade. It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, which has enabled us to secure international contracts across Europe, Asia, America and Australia.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty the King’s commitment to continuing the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognizing outstanding UK businesses.