Awards and Recognition

Over the years, we’ve earned widespread recognition through numerous awards and commendations – each one a reflection of the standards we live by and the trust we’ve earned from customers, partners, and peers. These accolades showcase the strength of our business model, the depth of our expertise, our collaborative approach and the confidence placed in us by those we serve every day. Here are just some of the highlights:

A mark of distinction for leadership, impact, and brand excellence.

In June 2024, Hydraulics Online’s reputation as a business exemplar was nationally recognised when Co-founder and Director, Helen Tonks, was awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Business and to Exports. The honour reflects not only Helen’s personal contribution to the wider business and educational community, but also the strength and standing of Hydraulics Online as a brand that inspires others.

The investiture took place at Windsor Castle, where Helen was presented with her medal by Anne, The Princess Royal. Read more here.

“Whilst the recognition is personal, it is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Hydraulics Online team and all that we have collectively achieved over the last 20 years. Hydraulics Online is seen as an exemplar to others and has given me a real platform to pay it forward to the wider business and educational community, regionally and nationally.” — Helen Tonks MBE

• Winner – UK Customer Satisfaction Awards 2024, Customer Commitment – Business to Business: Recognised by The Institute of Customer Service – the UK’s professional body for service excellence. In a room filled with household names (including Sky, Virgin Atlantic, Specsavers, Dulux, Volkswagen, Auto Windscreen, Octopus Energy, Knight Frank, Openreach, Redrow, Boots, Shell, Severn Trent, Ageas) Hydraulics Online stood out for unwavering commitment to B2B customer care.
• South Cheshire Chamber – Excellence in Customer Service:  Recognised for our “superb customer service approach” and “incredibly low number of complaints.”
• Highly Commended – Ambassador of the Year: Recognised for championing service excellence and business growth in the wider community.

• Export Champion – UK Department for Business and Trade (2019–Present): Selected annually for our global reach, sector expertise, and commitment to supporting UK trade. Hydraulics Online is the only business within the UK fluid power and hydraulic engineering sector to hold this prestigious title – reinforcing our role as a trusted, innovative, and globally respected brand.
• Winner – Greater China ‘Rising Star’ Award: Presented at the Department for Business and Trade’s Greater China Awards, recognising our significant contribution to developing business with Greater China. Open to organisations across North West England, the award celebrates bilateral trade, investment, and collaboration across mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan.

• Winner – Insider Media North West International Company of the Year: Celebrated for our international growth, innovation, and impact.
• Winner – Exporter of the Year, Cheshire Business Awards: Recognised for our global reach and contribution to the local economy.
• Winner – North West Business Exporter of the Year, FSB Awards: Recognised by the Federation of Small Businesses for our outstanding export performance and international strategy.
• Finalist – Micro Exporter of the Year, PD Ports Northern Powerhouse Export Awards: Shortlisted for our achievements in international trade and contribution to the Northern Powerhouse export economy.
• South Cheshire Chamber – International Trader of the Year: Celebrated for our strong business model, competitive positioning, and investment in technology to better serve customers worldwide.

Hydraulics Online’s awards and accreditations are more than milestones – they affirm the trust we’ve built across industries and borders. They reflect the strength of our systems, the depth of our expertise, and the confidence placed in us by customers, partners, and peers alike. They showcase a business that’s built to serve with integrity, deliver with excellence, and grow with purpose.

Recognised across industries and borders, our brand continues to set benchmarks in customer service, international trade, leadership, and operational performance. These honours serve as both validation and inspiration – proof of where we’ve come from and a springboard for continued impact, innovation and improvement.