At Stephen Austin, we are thrilled to announce that we have been re-awarded the Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III for the supply of printing services to the Royal Households. This prestigious accolade is a profound honour and a testament to the enduring trust and quality we have built with the Royal Family.
What is a Royal Warrant?
The Royal Warrant sits among the most esteemed symbols of excellence in British commerce. Companies holding Royal Warrants of Appointment represent a huge cross-section of trade and industry, from sole traders to multinationals.
The Royal Warrant is exclusively granted to businesses and individuals who supply goods or services to the Royal Households, demonstrating the highest standards of quality, craftsmanship, and service.
The tradition dates to medieval times but was formalised in the 15th century. A printer, William Caxton, was one of the earliest recorded recipients of a Royal Warrant in 1476. Interestingly, our Hertford site sits upon ‘Caxton Hill’, named after this famous printer.
The Royal Warrant reflects the relationship between the Royal Family and the warrant holders, built on decades—sometimes centuries—of outstanding service. Today, fewer than 800 companies hold this distinguished honour, making it a mark of true prestige and achievement.
A History of Excellence at Stephen Austin
Stephen Austin was founded in 1768 making us one of the most established printing companies in the UK. For over 70 years—spanning the entirety of Queen Elizabeth II’s historic reign—we have partnered with examination councils worldwide to print, package, and distribute examination papers. This legacy of excellence underpins our reputation today.
We first received the Royal Warrant from Queen Elizabeth II in 1998. Accepting this honour was a defining moment in our history, solidifying our place among an elite group of businesses committed to the highest standards.
The re-awarding of the Royal Warrant by King Charles III continues our proud legacy. It reflects the enduring trust the Royal Family places in our expertise and dedication to service.
Retaining the Royal Warrant for over 25 years has not only been a point of immense pride for our team but also a recognition valued by our customers both in the UK and internationally.
Simon James, CEO at Stephen Austin says:
“Being re-awarded the Royal Warrant by His Majesty King Charles III is an incredible honour for everyone at Stephen Austin. It represents the culmination of decades of dedication to excellence and a commitment to delivering the highest standards of service and quality. We are immensely proud to uphold this tradition and look forward to continuing our relationship with the Royal Households for many years to come.”
Looking Ahead
This recognition reaffirms our commitment to the values that have defined Stephen Austin for generations: expertise, quality and reliability. As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we remain dedicated to upholding the legacy of the Royal Warrant and delivering exceptional service to all our customers.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us on this journey. Here’s to many more years of trusted service and continued service excellence!