Borge Leth (above right), managing director of outdoor furniture manufacturers Alexander Rose, and Alan Morley, the company's head of design, have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of Arts.

The RSA's mission, '21st century enlightenment', pays tribute to its 18th century founders and to the pioneering spirit that inspired them to build "a better society for all through innovation and enlightened ideas".

Borge and Alan earned the accolade for their contribution to design education and manufacture following the success of the company's UK Student Design Competition.  Now in its second year, the initiative was seen by the RSA as promoting sustainable and innovative forms of design and manufacture and fostering the next generation of socially responsible designers.

Working closely with universities across the UK, Alexander Rose's aim is to encourage young designers to engage with industry-based projects. The competition will provide students with substantial real work experience, the opportunity to win substantial prize money and a chance to develop a long term professional design career in a major UK industry worth £960 million.

The work of the RSA  is supported by 27,000 Fellows globally.