Medal maker wins £11m MoD deal
A MANUFACTURER has been awarded a new £11 million contract to make military medals for the Ministry of Defence.
Worcestershire Medals Service will supply the MoD with every military medal, award and badge except the Victoria Cross for two years after winning an open competition.
The Victoria Cross, the highest operational award for gallantry in the presence of the enemy, has been made by the original manufacturer, Hancocks in London, since 1856.
Worcestershire Medals Service is headquartered in Bromsgrove but these new medals for the MoD will be produced at its factory in Bir- mingham’s Jewellery Quarter. It has previously created works such as the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal, Civilian Service Medal (Afghanistan), the Ebola Medal and the Elizabeth Cross and more recently the Operation Shader medal.
The first of these was recently given to British personnel from all three services who successfully tackled Islamic State.
The business was founded in 1988 by managing director Phil McDermott in his home and now employs more than 50 staff.
Mr McDermott said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded this contract which reflects on the quality and commitment of our staff. We look forward to working with the MoD Medal Office to ensure timely and quality deliveries of medals to our servicemen and women.”
Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson MP added: “Our Armed Forces do extraordinary things to keep this country safe, often making incredible personal sacrifices and demonstrating a willingness to go to any length for our nation.
“Medals symbolise the bravery, courage, and dedication of our service personnel and I am delighted that we have awarded this contract to a family-run business in the West Midlands, supporting local jobs, helping to develop specialist skills and manufacturing, and boosting the local economy.”