HRH The Princess Royal’s visit to meet recipients of her eponymous Princess Royal Training Award, assessed by the City & Guilds Group she serves as president, was accommodated by motorsport and automotive transmission technology specialist Xtrac at its global headquarters in Thatcham earlier this month. The visit followed the presentation of the 2021 award to 46 businesses at a special ceremony on 28 April, at Mansion House in London, hosted by the Lord Mayor of the City.

Along with viewing the practical skills workshop at the recently opened Xtrac Academy, HRH The Princess Royal also toured the company’s manufacturing facilities. Xtrac’s high-precision bevel gear cutting and grinding operations were demonstrated by apprentices Wesley Bloom and George Englefield, as well as former apprentice Stephen Gomm. The trio were accompanied by machinists Keith Dickinson and Chris Neal, team leaders and former apprentices Martin Carrick and Jason Woodley, trainer Neil Warwick, and apprentice manager Warren Page.

For further information www.xtrac.com/xtrac-academy