UK based Armadillo Merino was presented with the NatWest ‘Product Business of the Year 2012 Award’ in London on Friday. The Derbyshire based ‘new start’ company’s knitted tops and leggings in single jersey and rib structures, made from super-fine merino wool, are said to be the ultimate in comfort, with qualities that are ideally suited to those professionals exposed to endurance, extreme weather or potential risk of fire or burns.

Andy Caughey receives the NatWest ‘Product Business of the Year 2012 Award’ in London

Presenting the Award to Armadillo’s Andy Caughey, judges said: "Another impressive example of British design and innovation leading the world, Armadillo Merino is the only range of all natural body armour using merino wool for fire fighters, police and military personnel, and will help towards saving lives. The judges were impressed by the competitive prices Armadillo Merino is able to offer for their high quality crafted product, and by the range of contracts already won and pending. This product has the potential to become just the sort of quality, specialist, world-leading medium sized business the UK needs."

Just last week the company reported that the Italian navy is set to order thousands of its British developed hi-tech garments, which give unprecedented next-to-skin protection and performance in action.

Derbyshire-based Armadillo says the garments were originally developed after soldiers caught in roadside bomb blasts found their man-made fibre base garments had melted and fused with skin, causing severe burns that are difficult to treat and resulting in life-long scarring. Merino wool has natural flame-resistant properties that help protect wearers. Read more