Last Thursday, I (Nazia White, Marketing and Export Manager at Tomcat) had the immense honour of representing the company at the King’s Awards for Enterprise reception at Windsor Castle — a truly unforgettable evening.
I went not only as a proud member of the Tomcat team but also on behalf of our founder, Bob Griffin, whose pioneering spirit has led Tomcat to win three King’s Awards across Innovation and Export. This latest award was for Export, recognising our mission to take British-made, life-changing mobility innovations to people around the world.
And yes — I shook hands with King Charles III.
It’s not every day you find yourself in such regal company. As I walked up the grand steps towards the reception that took place inside of Windsor Castle, I felt a surprising mix of nerves and disbelief. I wasn’t just entering a historic building, I was stepping into a space filled with individuals who’ve built, led, and shaped enterprises that are driving the UK forward. I remember thinking, Who will I talk to? Will I find my place in this room?
As it turns out, I did.
The welcome was warm. The setting was surreal. And within minutes, I was deep in conversation with Simon Foulkes, MD of Rainbow Productions. As we shared our “why” behind what we do…bringing joy, and connection to people through our very different but surprisingly aligned work…I began to feel a lot more relaxed!
Then came the moment I least expected. A chance introduction turned into a joyful reunion with an old colleague, Simon Graham, from a past life in a much “trickier” environment. Our spontaneous, slightly screechy hug (me, mostly) was exactly what I needed to shake off the last of my nerves.
But my eyes were set on a mission: to shake the King’s hand!
Not just for myself, but for the Tomcat team who pour their energy into building products that empower people. For Bob, who had already stood in these rooms twice before, but believed this time, I should have the honour. For my husband, who told me (jokingly, I hope) not to come back unless I did. And for my late father, who would have told every soul he met that his daughter had met the King of England.
After some excellent networking advice and a polite queue (which I usually avoid like the plague), I found myself face to face with King Charles III. I told him about Tomcat, about Bob, and that it was only fair someone else met him this time around.
“So you took his place?” he asked with a smile.
“Well,” I replied, “I did write the application that won — so I thought it was only fair.”
“That’s great,” he said. “Tell Bob I said hello.”
Mission accomplished. And I stayed true to myself, using humour to alleviate any kind of anxiety I felt interacting with royalty!
Later, while reflecting over a cold drink at the reception bar area with Angela Orton from Structural Adhesives Ltd — someone I’d met earlier in the queue and bonded with over stories of our fathers — I realised something important. My initial anxiety had completely faded. In its place was a deep sense of pride and connection. I had found common ground with people from all corners of industry, all united by purpose.
As I walked back through the gates of Windsor Castle, my husband filming from the roadside with a beaming smile, I couldn’t help but feel that I’d not only attended a once-in-a-lifetime event…I made it count.
Tomcat has always been about people: giving more individuals the chance to experience movement, freedom, and joy. That night was no different. We may be a small team from Gloucester, but we’re making a difference on a global scale. And it was my privilege to carry that story to Windsor Castle.
