Duke of Kent Visits Herefordshire Businesses

His Royal Highness the Duke of Kent gave his royal seal of approval to rural Herefordshire businesses during a visit to the county this week.

 The Duke has always had a keen interest in trade and business, particularly when he held the role of the United Kingdom's Special Representative for International Trade and Investment.

The Duke was hosted by the Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Mrs Jo Hilditch DL at her farm estate in Lyonshall. The Duke was given a tour of the new White Heron Drinks production facilities where Jo’s award winning premium drinks brand British Cassis is made.

The Duke was then introduced to representatives from across the county including The Orgasmic Cider Company, Edward Bulmer Natural Paints, Herbfarmacy, Tiggs Sauces, Broadfield Wines and Burgoynes Ltd. Also in attendance, representing Herefordshire’s focus on international business, was Jo’s husband Ian Hilditch, a previous recipient of three Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade. The Duke was impressed by the level of innovation and diversification that Herefordshire rural businesses are achieving, as well as their national and international successes.

Jo Hilditch comments: “We were delighted to host the Duke during his visit. The breadth and depth of Herefordshire businesses is extremely inspiring and this is being recognised both nationally and internationally. I am particularly passionate about representing British business globally and a visit from His Royal Highness is extremely validating for these Herefordshire businesses.”

During the day The Duke enjoyed sampling the local food and drink and was presented with a gift basket of goods as a memento of his Herefordshire visit by Austin Wright, the 3-year-old son of the Whittern Estate Farm Manager James Wright.