Lionel Hitchen, a prominent supplier of natural flavours and flavour ingredients to the food and beverage industry, has been honoured as one of the Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses in the UK for 2024. This prestigious recognition comes from a detailed analysis of the women-powered ecosystem in the UK, a joint initiative by J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Beauhurst.
This accolade highlights the remarkable progress Lionel Hitchen has made since Eva Agnew took the helm as CEO in 2012. Under her leadership, the company has experienced significant growth, primarily due to a steadfast commitment to manufacturing excellence and the implementation of a comprehensive World-Class Manufacturing continuous improvement programme.
Eva Agnew expressed her pride in the recognition, stating, “In my 12 years as CEO, my prime objective has been to ensure the happiness of our employees. I firmly believe that any business with employees who enjoy their work will thrive, grow, and delight its customers.”
Agnew further elaborated on the crucial role of company culture in driving growth. “We have worked hard to cultivate an environment where all employees are valued as individuals, engaged, motivated, and eager to contribute. This, coupled with our World-Class Manufacturing CI programme, has been the foundation of our growth, success, and strong relationships with our customers, suppliers, and partners. We are very proud of our Naturally Fabulous Team Hitchen.”
The recognition as one of the Top 200 Women-Powered Businesses adds to Lionel Hitchen’s impressive array of achievements. The company has also secured several accolades over the past few years, including:
- Central South Business Awards 2023: Large Business of the Year and Company of the Year
- Solent 250 Awards 2022: Business Culture Award
- Central South Business Awards 2022: International Business of the Year
- Solent 250 Awards 2021: Employee Engagement & Wellbeing
These awards underscore Lionel Hitchen’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and fostering a positive workplace culture.
As Lionel Hitchen continues to thrive under Eva Agnew’s leadership, the company remains dedicated to its core values of quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. With an expanding portfolio of natural flavours and ingredients, Lionel Hitchen is well-positioned to meet the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry, all while championing a workplace that prioritises employee wellbeing and engagement.
The recognition by J.P. Morgan Private Bank and Beauhurst not only reinforces the company’s successful trajectory but also highlights the growing influence and contribution of women-led businesses in the UK economy. With a firm belief in the importance of employee happiness and a strong corporate culture, Lionel Hitchen exemplifies the potential of women-powered enterprises to achieve remarkable success in today’s competitive landscape.