A record number of companies from across the UK, including several from the food and drink sectors are winners of The Queen's Award for Enterprise 2009--Britain's highest accolade for business success.

A total of 194 Queen's Awards have been announced this year, the largest number awarded in 44 years of the scheme. Previously, the record number of Awards made in a single year was 175 in 1990.

Amongst this year's winners from the food and drink sector are:

William Jackson Bakery (English sandwich breads) Nisa International (grocery exporter)--Tudor Rose International (Food and personal care brands)--Maviga Internaitonal (Holdings) Ltd (Dried edible pulses)--Somerdale International (Dairy exporter)--Sun Mark Ltd (Grocery, household and personal care products).

Overall, 135 companies have won Awards for International Trade, 49 for Innovation and 10 for Sustainable Development. In addition, 11 individuals have received The Queen's Award tbr Enterprise Promotion (QAEP) for their inspiring efforts to encourage UK entrepreneurship. The full list of winners can be found on the Queen's Awards website.

Business Minister, Lord Mandelson, said: "I heartily congratulate all today's winners of The Queen's Awards. These inspirational firms have proved they are amongst Britain's very, best businesses. They are flying the flag for British enterprise, innovation and corporate responsibility, both here and abroad. They have achieved the UK's most prestiguous standard of business excellence, and set the standard for other businesses to follow as they help lead Britain out of recession."

Minister for Trade & Investment, Lord Davies of Abersoch, said: "A Queen's Award for Enterprise is an internationally-recognised symbol of business success. It is a standard that I believe all good businesses should aspire to. Past International Trade winners consistently tell us how their Award has helped open new doors for their company overseas. The fact that more firms than ever are now applying for The Queen's Award shows what a remarkably valuable endorsement this Award continues to be around the world."

Winners of The Queen's Awards enjoy wide-spread publicity, a company visit by a Royal representative during the year to present a crystal bowl and a special reception at Buckingham Palace in July. They are also entitled to use The Queen's Award Emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of their quality and success.

visit www.queensaward.org.uk

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