Govan-based Shearer Candles has become the first UK candle manufacturer to receive a British Retail Consortium Global Standard award.

The award was given to the firm following a rigourous audit and is known as the benchmark for best practice.

Managing director Ian Barnet said: “Everything we strive to do at Shearer Candles is about producing high-quality candles.

“That includes everything from the raw materials we use to our manufacturing processes to the skills of our expert employees.

“We know that candle consumers are now demanding higher quality products because candles are playing a more integral role in people’s lifestyles.

“They want long burn times, they want smokeless wax and wicks and they want a range of scents that reflect their particular moods.

“We are confident that the BRC’s Global Standard will ensure that consumers will be able to rely on getting these demands from our candles.”He added: “It gives our customers confidence in everything we do and make.”

Shearer, which was founded in Glasgow in 1897, found exports to Europe increased by a massive 267% following their role in three exhibitions in Paris over the past year, and they are now selling in more countries than ever.

The firm has become a force in major European markets after the big impression its products managed to make at the Paris trade show Maison&Objet. Shearer candles can now be bought in Poland, Sweden, Denmark, Finland and Norway as well as France, Germany, Greece, and Japan.

And they are stocked at the Paris department store Galleries Lafayette. Mr Barnet said: “We are delighted with the increase in our exporting business. We have explored different markets in Europe and have invested a considerable amount in working with our partners there.

“We are confident that we will experience a period of continued growth and there are ongoing talks that if successful will see us in more countries beyond Western Europe.”