In recognition of her great achievements, just six years after starting her first ethical trading initiative, Charlotte di Vita was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to Trade plus Aid.

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II wrote to Charlotte to express her delight that the secret of Royal enameling had now been handed down to preserve ancient traditions and to create fairly-paid employment in China.

The MBE's royal seal of approval is the ultimate accolade for an organisation that has made a difference by setting new precedents and by combining business acumen with ethical practice in order to generate sustainable income for disadvantaged communities around the world.

"I strongly believe that we can find practical ways to improve the economic conditions of some of the world's poorest communities. And by simply working together to share a common vision we can achieve a better life for less developed countries." commented Charlotte di Vita MBE.