£11m Military Medal Contract Awarded

A contract worth £11 million to supply the majority of the Ministry of Defence's medals has been awarded to a business, following an open competition.

Under the agreement, Birmingham-based Worcestershire Medals Service will manufacture every military medal, award and badge, except the Victoria Cross, for the next two years.

The family business has a history of producing medals, having previously worked on the Ebola Medal, the Elizabeth Cross and the Operation Shader medal.

The first of the Op Shader medals were handed out by the Defence Secretary last week to British personnel from all three services who fought against Islamic State.

It is the first Operational Service Medal to be created since 2003.

Medals are one of the highest forms of recognition for service and can be awarded for a number of reasons, including acts of bravery under enemy fire, contribution to military operations and long service to the armed forces.

The Defence Secretary Gavin Willaimson said: "Our Armed Forces do extraordinary things to keep this country safe, often making incredible personal sacrifices and demonstrating a willingness to go to any length for our nation.

"Medals symbolise the bravery, courage, and dedication of our service personnel and I am delighted that we have awarded this contract to a family-run business."