In 1965 The Duke of Edinburgh was invited by the Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, to chair a Committee to work out the details of a proposed scheme to award recognition to industrial companies.
His Royal Highness agreed to do so and an announcement was made in the House of Commons in February of that year.
As His Royal Highness was about to leave on an overseas tour, he suggested a comprehensive series of points for the Committee to consider in their work of drawing up rules for the new Award to Industry.
On his return he oversaw the production of a report, which had expanded many of his original ideas, outlining the scheme. The aim of the Award was to recognise outstanding achievement by industry either in increasing exports or in technological innovation.
