Manufacturers scoop royal awards

This year, there were 102 awards for international trade, 44 for innovation and 10 for sustainable development. Winners included Zeeko, a 35-employee Coalville-based manufacturer of computer-controlled precision polishing machines, which picks up an innovation award for its Optic Fabrication Centre. This is a corrective polisher with integrated measuring capability, enabling users to progress a precision component from start to finish without removing it from the machine. The innovation has led to a significant reduction in manufacturing time and cost. MD Richard Freeman, who co-founded the company in late 2000, said: "All members of the Zeeko team can feel justly proud to receive this coveted award. The criteria for entry are ever more challenging and the passion to win ever more fervent." Manufacturers featured heavily in the international trade award category. Maidstone-based LycoRed is one such recipient: the 50-strong manufacturer of nutritional blends for food fortification exports 70% of its production and, in the last three years, has doubled revenue from exports to £14 million per annum. Manchester flooring manufacturer James Halstead also wins an international trade award, an accolade it last held in 2006 since when it has grown international sales by 90%, and it now exports more than half its output. Another international trade winner is Entek International, of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The business, which makes polyethylene-based envelopes for plates of lead-acid starter batteries, has doubled its capacity in the last two years thanks to a £26m investment in the facility. Overseas sales now account for more than 99% of revenue. Yeo Valley Farms (Production) of Somerset wins a prize for sustainable development. The 1,500-strong, family-owned dairy business has reduced its carbon footprint, removed pesticides and artificial fertilisers from its operations, and invested in renewable energy generation. The full list of winners can be found at www.businesslink.gov.uk/queensawards.