A South Hams business best known for its much-loved handcrafted wooden duck characters has officially received one of the UK’s highest business honours, recognising its outstanding international success.

DCUK, The Original Wooden Duck Company, was formally presented with the 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade by the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, during a recent visit to its headquarters in Diptford.

The presentation brought together the DCUK team to celebrate the achievement and recognise the people, partnerships and craftsmanship that have helped the business grow from an independent Devon gifting company into an internationally recognised brand.

During the visit, the Lord-Lieutenant met members of the team and highlighted the important contribution made by businesses across Devon, including those based in rural communities that are achieving success on an international scale.

DCUK is one of only five Devon businesses to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026, and one of just three in the county to be recognised for International Trade.

The accolade follows a period of significant international growth for DCUK, with overseas sales turnover reaching almost three times its previous level within just four years.

DCUK has grown from an independent British gifting business into a brand whose handcrafted characters are enjoyed by customers and collectors around the world.

Every DCUK character is created through the company’s long-standing partnership with skilled Indonesian makers, who have worked with the business since 2004. The distinctive wooden ducks are handcrafted from bamboo root, bringing together traditional Indonesian craftsmanship with British creativity and design.

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are regarded as the UK’s highest official business honours, recognising organisations that can demonstrate exceptional achievement and sustained success. For the International Trade category, businesses must show outstanding overseas growth over several years and are assessed against businesses of a similar size and sector.

Craig Wensley, owner of DCUK, said: “To see an independent British gifting brand recognised in this way feels very special indeed. We’re especially grateful for the ongoing support and enthusiasm from our team, our makers, official stockists, and all our collectors around the world.”

For DCUK, the award represents more than exporting products overseas.

DCUK’s relationship with its Indonesian makers has been central to the company’s story for more than 20 years, with the partnership helping to introduce its handcrafted characters to customers across international markets.

The official presentation in Diptford provided an opportunity for the wider team to share in the recognition, following an earlier royal reception at St James’s Palace attended by Craig Wensley.

Craig added: “This award belongs to everyone who has played a part in DCUK’s journey, from our team here in Devon to our talented makers in Indonesia, our stockists and the people who have welcomed our characters into their homes.

“To be recognised for sustained international success is something we’re incredibly proud of, particularly as an independent business based here in Devon.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are independently judged against demanding criteria, with recommendations considered by expert advisory panels before being approved by His Majesty The King following recommendations from the office of the Prime Minister.