Letterfest wins King’s Award for global growth
In a joyful celebration of creativity, craft, and connection, Letterfest, the North Devon-based personalised gift company, has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
Once a tiny studio with just a handful of artists, Letterfest has quietly become a global movement for meaningful gifting. The business has seen over 1010% growth in the USA in just three years, with international demand doubling year-on-year, all powered by an ever-growing community of talented makers and illustrators worldwide.
Founded in 2011 and now 32-strong (up from 13 just a few years ago), Letterfest crafts personalised, keepsake gifts that are made with love and designed to last – from hand-drawn family portraits to engraved terracotta pots and storybooks starring the ones you love.
Recently acquired by purpose-led entrepreneur James Reader, the company is now B-Corp pending and firmly focused on people, planet and heartfelt products.
“Letterfest was founded many years ago to help our wonderful customers gift meaningful, joyful things crafted with love. The people who design and make our products have always been at the heart of this mission,” said James Reader, CEO.
“Whether it’s Tom, who leads illustration with care and precision, or Tiff, one of our incredible pot artists who engraves every pot by hand, this award celebrates all of them. It’s a beautiful reminder that human creativity travels far, and that real things made by real people still matter.”
Letterfest joins just 116 businesses nationwide recognised for International Trade in 2025. The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business honour – are awarded to organisations that deliver outstanding success and innovation. Recipients can display the coveted King's Awards Emblem for five years.
And this is just the beginning. With big plans for global expansion, new product lines, and deeper connections with artists worldwide, we're on a mission to bring a little more love into the world – one gift at a time.
For more on the King’s Awards, visit: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
