Salt of the Earth Receives King's Award for Enterprise
By Roselle Peck
It’s not every day that a deodorant company receives a Royal award - but this was that day. 🏆
On 14th October 2025, His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire, Nigel Atkinson Esq, presented Salt of the Earth with the King's Award for Enterprise – International Trade 2025 at the company's Chandlers Ford factory.
The Presentation
The Lord-Lieutenant arrived at 2pm for a ceremony that managed to be both appropriately formal (it's a Royal award, after all) and genuinely relaxed. He spoke about what the King's Award represents and was genuinely interested in how the company had gone from a tiny home operation to selling in 35 countries.
After the Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Mark Thistlethwayte, read the official certificate, the Award was presented to Managing Director Thomas Laird. Then the Lord-Lieutenant did something brilliant – he met every single member of the team, asking about their roles and what they do. No rushing, just proper conversations with everyone from production to warehouse to office.
The next morning, walking around the factory, the pride was unmistakable.
What the Award Recognises
The King’s Award for Enterprise - International Trade recognises our 137% growth in international sales over three years. Salt of the Earth's certified natural deodorants now sell in 35 countries - from Greece to South Africa, the Benelux countries to Malaysia.
The international sales started 15 years ago when international companies and distributors started approaching us. Over the years the company has invested in increasing its international presence. This year the Salt of the Earth exhibited at Cosmoprof Bologna – the world's largest cosmetics trade show with over 250,000 visitors. We are going back in 2026.
