A company from Littleport is one of 10 East of England winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for its international trade whilst a March firm is one of five local winners for innovation.

JDR Cable Systems of Littleport has won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – announced today- its international trade having grown overseas earnings by 248 per cent in the last three years. The company now exports 87 per cent of its turnover

G’s Fresh Beetroot Limited wins an Innovation Award for its contribution to promoting the consumption of beetroot and associated products.

Liz Basing, UKTI East of England Regional Director, said: “The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. Our region has enjoyed considerable success in recent years, and I’d like to congratulate the latest winners announced today.

“Queen’s Award winners lead the way in showcasing the significant of international trade. UKTI East is already working with many Award winners in the region - our team is here to help businesses grow through exports, and I would encourage businesses of all sizes to contact us to begin their exporting journey.”

More than 100 UK businesses have won Queen’s Awards for their international trade alongside companies winning for sustainable development and innovation. The businesses are recognised as part of this year’s prestigious awards that reward growth and enterprise.

The successful businesses range from large firms such as Jaguar Land Rover and Veolia Environmental Services UK plc to much smaller enterprises, including All3Media International Ltd, Frugi and Orangebox Ltd.

Winners of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are visited by a Royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl to mark their achievement. They also attend a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace. They can 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.

JDR Cable Systems Ltd produces infrastructure products and aftermarket services for subsea oil, gas and renewable energy production. A 2010 Award holder for International Trade, it wins a further Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Geographic markets extend from the established North Sea, Gulf of Mexico and Asia Pacific to new markets of West Africa, Middle East and Germany, the latter now its largest export market representing 20 per cent of export sale. It is a major employer, too, in the area with a staff of 363.

G’s Fresh Beetroot Limited employs 156 people at its Hostmoor, March, factory and was recognised for its innovation. The company used innovation for the introduction of natural beetroot with no preservatives in vacuum- packed plastic packaging giving a six month shelf-life.

Plastic jars have been introduced for pickles as replacement for glass jars, using specialist high quality vinegars, a natural alternative to acetic acid. Technological advances have seen the development of steam cooking, which gives healthier and more flavoursome products than boiling, and the introduction of robotics within the factory environment.

New product innovations include flavour-infused, ready-to-eat beetroot, convenience packs and grocery innovations such as beetroot juices and premium quality pickled beetroot packed in hot fill plastic jars. The unique innovations have led the business into international markets of the US and Australia, with development opportunities in Europe and Asia.

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Vince Cable said: “Companies that are growing, innovating and championing UK business overseas deserve the recognition that these awards bestow.”

Other local winners for international trade were:

Cambridge Education Group, Cambridge

Ekioh Ltd, Cambridge

EV Offshore Limited, Norwich

Linguamatics Ltd, Cambridge

PCL Ceramics Limited, Kings Lynn

Pico Technology Limited, St Neots, Cambs

Research division of Vernalis (R&D) Limited, Granta Park, Great Abington, Cambridge

SEACON (Europe) Ltd, Great Yarmouth

STG Aerospace Ltd, Swaffham, Norfolk

Innovation

Adder Technology Limited, Cambridge

MBDA UK Limited, Stevenage, Hertfordshire

No Climb Products Limited t/a detectortesters; Welham Green, Herts

Optical Metrology Services Limited, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire

Sustainable Development

Johnson Matthey Plc, Emission Control Technologies, Royston, Hertfordshire

Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire