Independent and family owned Rubberatkins Ltd has been honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category.
The Aberdeen-based company is one of fewer than 200 UK businesses to receive this distinguished recognition in 2025. The award represents the highest honour that can be bestowed on a British Company and is recognised worldwide.
Founded in 1988 by husband and wife team Nick Atkins and Jill Webster, Rubberatkins is a technology-driven company specialising in the design, development, manufacture, and testing of bespoke, high-performance elastomer and plastic components. These critical components, including advanced sealing solutions, are deployed in demanding environments across the energy, semiconductor, aerospace, and other high-tech industries.
Rubberatkins provides end-to-end solutions from initial concept and design to rigorous testing and advanced manufacturing. Its purpose-built Aberdeen headquarters houses cutting-edge material technology and research and development laboratories, production facilities and clean room manufacture.
Co-founders of Rubberatkins Nick Atkins and Jill Webster.
Positioned as a global innovator, Rubberatkins employs over 170 professionals worldwide, with more than 150 based in the UK. The company operates international offices in the US and Canada, the Middle East and Singapore and is represented by an agent in China. Over the three years to September 2023, the business achieved a 103% increase in turnover demonstrating a strong trajectory of sustainable growth.
The business is also investing in the future through sustainable innovation. Its headquarters are powered by a 330kW wind turbine and 129kW of solar panels, reducing emissions by an estimated 380 tonnes of CO₂ annually and enabling energy self-sufficiency.
Co-founder of Rubberatkins, Nick Atkins said: “The King’s Award for Enterprise is internationally recognised as a hallmark of business excellence. This award is a testament to our team’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of material science and engineering. We are proud to represent British innovation on the global stage with a portfolio of 26 international patents and various trademarks, Rubberatkins is continually expanding its intellectual property base and export markets.
Key to the differentiation of Rubberatkins’ product range are our proprietary, trademarked compounds including Vermanite ®, Thermanite ®, Breanite ®, Dissolvanite ®, Astronite ®, and Sulfanite ® underscoring Rubberatkins commitment to materials innovation.”
Rubberatkins has high expectations for new elastomers developed to improve the effectiveness of Hydrogen Electrolysers and CO₂ resistant materials for Carbon Capture.”
This accolade entitles Rubberatkins to use the King’s Awards for Enterprise emblem for the next five years. Originally established in 1965, the King’s Awards remain the UK’s most esteemed business honour.