BY APPOINTMENT TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

Lakeland Computers, based in Irvinestown in County Fermanagh, have just been awarded a Royal Warrant for its supply of product and services to Her Majesty The Queen. The Warrant has been granted to Nigel Bogle, Managing Director.

The software firm specialises in providing system solutions into the independent speciality food sector across the U.K. and Ireland including Farm Shops, Delis, Butchers, Cheese Mongers and Green Grocers.

In the context of the Royal Household the company's systems run the Farm Shop on the Queen's Estate at Windsor Castle. They have been supplying the Estate since 2002. Royal Warrants are bestowed on individuals or companies who demonstrate the highest standards of excellence and quality and are highly prized.

Supply must be made to one of the Royal Households of Her Majesty The Queen, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh or His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. The practice of granting such things dates back to the 12th Century when the first Royal Charters where granted to tradesmen and craftsmen for products and services supplied to the Royal Family at that time.

There are only a handful of other companies in Northern Ireland which currently hold a warrant. Allan McCaw and Co who make Bed Linen and Ulster Weavers Home Fashion who make kitchen textiles currently hold warrants.

Lakeland Computers also run and manage the systems at the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire's Estate at Chatsworth in Derbyshire, Harvey Nichols Food Hall in Knightsbridge and many high class, family owned speciality food businesses in Northern Ireland; one notable example of which is McCartney's of Moira who recently won Supreme Champion at the final of the Great Taste Awards in London for their Home Made Corned Beef.

"We love working in the speciality food sector. It's full of fantastic people and businesses" says Nigel Bogle and in a recent interview with the BBC said, "…receiving this accolade gives us a lot of credibility. To have independent recognition of what we do from the Royal Warrants Committee will serve us well moving forward."