Pembrokeshire family company wins King’s Award for Enterprise
Cwmni teuluol o Sir Benfro yn ennill Gwobr y Brenin am Fenter
A Pembrokeshire family-run business that now helps customers worldwide has been awarded the UK’s most prestigious business honour, The King’s Award for Enterprise.
FRIO UK is the manufacturer of the world’s first patented medication and insulin-cooling wallet.
Using specially developed crystals that activate when wet, the wallets keep medication cool whatever the weather by the process of evaporation.
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, Miss Sara Edwards, presented the award at the company’s premises in Little Treffgarne on Tuesday, November 12th at an event attended by FRIO staff, invited guests and business colleagues.
Mr Chris Wolsey, Managing Director of FRIO UK received the award.
The Lord-Lieutenant said: “It was such an honour to present Mr Wolsey and his team with The Kings Award for Enterprise in International Trade on behalf of His Majesty The King.
“It was fascinating to hear about how the company has evolved and now exports to more than 70 countries worldwide.
“From speaking with the staff you can see a real sense of pride in the products they create and the knowledge that they are making a very real difference to the lives of customers.
“I wish Chris and FRIO UK all the very best for the future and I am sure The King’s Award for Enterprise will aid their development further and ensure even more people are helped all over the world.”
Mr Wolsey said: “It was a pleasure to have the Lord-Lieutenant present the award to myself, it is dedicated to my mum, dad for their hard work and entrepreneurial mindset. It is also dedicated to my family, everybody who works at FRIO UK and also those we work closely with around the world.
“I am proud to be a Pembrokeshire man and FRIO UK is a Pembrokeshire business, employing local people and based in the heart of the county.
“To receive the highest honour that can be bestowed on a UK business is such a proud moment for us all and I wish to thank everyone who has played their part in this success.”
The Lord-Lieutenant was assisted by Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet Laura Edwards and the High Sheriff of Dyfed, Helen Jones was also in attendance for the presentation ceremony.
Cllr Steve Alderman, Chairman of Pembrokeshire County Council carried out the introductions.
The King’s Award for Enterprise encompasses four categories, Innovation, Sustainable Development, Promoting Opportunity and International Trade.
FRIO UK was one of just 11 companies in Wales to have received the Award in 2024.
Notes to editors
Notes to editor:
FRIO UK Ltd was founded in 1996 by the late Garnet and Althea Wolsey, inspired by their daughter Helen, a British Powerlifting Champion. The idea for their cooling products, initially head, neck, and wrist bands, arose after Helen faced extreme heat during the 1991 World Powerlifting Championship in India. The family developed these cooling bands, which were used by the British Olympic and Paralympic teams in Atlanta in 1996.
Later, after a conversation about keeping insulin cool, the Wolsey’s created the first FRIO cooling wallet. The company grew from a home-based operation to a global brand. Today, FRIO is managed by Chris Wolsey, Garnet and Althea's youngest son. The company has expanded its production facilities and employs 15 people at its headquarters in Pembrokeshire, with additional staff around the world.”