Watkiss received the award in the International Trade category for its substantial growth in overseas earnings and commercial success "to levels that are outstanding".

Over the past three years Watkiss’ export sales have more than doubled - more than 75% of production is sold overseas.

According to Watkiss director Barbara Watkiss the success is down to the adoption of its SquareBack book technology. She drew particular attention to sales of the Watkiss SpineMaster and Watkiss PowerSquare product lines

She said: "We feel honoured and privileged to have received a Queen’s Award. It is a prestigious and independent recognition of our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our business.

"Success is only possible through dedication, passion and a lot of hard work from the entire Watkiss workforce, and of course the efforts of our distributors and business partners. That we have achieved this in a time of global economic turmoil makes it especially rewarding."

The award, which is timed to mark the Queen's birthday on 21 April, is Watkiss' second, having first won it in 1994.