Laura Bounds, owner of Kent Crisps, has been awarded an MBE for services to international trade in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List, published on 31^st December 2020.

An MBE is awarded for an outstanding achievement or service to the community, serving as an example to others and Laura’s nomination is in recognition of her work done through Kent Crisps to raise awareness of Kent and the UK on a world stage.

Kent born & raised, 34 year old Laura’s passion lies in championing the very best that her home county has to offer.  Kent Crisps’ flavours are made using real Kent produce such as Ashmore Cheese & Biddenden Cider and the eye-catching pack artwork features some of the country’s most iconic landscapes and landmarks including Leeds Castle, Canterbury Cathedral & Turner Contemporary.

Since taking on Kent Crisps in 2017, Laura has been the driving force behind growing the business, with a strong focus on export, and now supplies international airlines, trains & ferries and 10 markets across the globe which include Germany, America & Asia.

Laura owns multiple Kent businesses alongside Kent Crisps, including brands Kentish Oils and A Little Bit Food Co and is also an Export Champion for the Department of International Trade, Kent Ambassador, Produced in Kent Ambassador and a mentor for the Kent Business School at the University of Kent.  Through these roles, Laura has been able to play an active part within the local business community, and is particularly focussed on building relationships between businesses, providing opportunities for growth and collaboration and acting as a role model to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and business owners.

Laura commented “To have been awarded an MBE is an absolute privilege, especially when it relates to the work done for a county that I am so proud to be a part of.  Kent Crisps is made up of a small but extremely passionate team, without whom I would not have had this opportunity.  I hope that this proves to others that we all can make a difference, and that with hard work & determination, anything is possible.”

The honour will be awarded at a date to be decided in 2021, once events are able to take place again.