SECOND GENERATION MBE

Thursday, 01 January

They say that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in this case never a truer word has been spoken. One family are celebrating this New Year after Lianne Walker followed in her father’s footsteps by being awarded an MBE for her services to international trade in the 2009 New Year birthday honours list.
 

Lianne Walker is Director and Group General Manager of the Walker Filtration group which has its head office in Washington, Tyne and Wear. The Company provides high-tech filtration products to the compressed air and gas market place together with a range of products designed for the medical sector.
 

The North East based business was founded by Brian and Carol Walker in 1983 and in 2008 celebrated 25 years of successful trading which has seen the business grow from a staff of four to 150 worldwide and subsidiaries on 3 continents. In 2001, Brian Walker was made MBE for his services to international trade, 7 years later; his daughter receives the same great honour.
 

After successfully working her way through the business for 17 years, Lianne was appointed Group General Manager in 2005 and has steered the business through a period of significant growth. The last three years have seen the Company increase its sales by 58% which includes a 76% increase in exports. The Company is now a world leading manufacturer in its market and export accounts for over 85% of sales.
 

Lianne is dedicated to ensuring that Walker Filtration continues to grow and establishes itself as a highly respected manufacturing Company, not only in its chosen market, but also in the wider business community. In today’s current economic downturn, it is a joy to find a business which is bucking the trend and continuing to enjoy growth.
 

A proud British business woman, Lianne is committed to continued investment in the business and ensuring that the main manufacturing facility remains firmly in the UK. 2008 has seen significant investment in plant, resources and staff for Walker Filtration and in 2009 Lianne expects these investments to bear considerable fruits.
 

Lianne commented,

“I am always delighted when we can demonstrate the talent and capabilities which we have in the UK. I am looking forward to the next phase in our company’s growth and of course, continuing to fly the flag for British Export”

She went on to add,

“It was a huge surprise and a great honour to be named for an MBE. It was a particular joy for me being able to follow in my father’s footsteps. “
 

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