The honours scheme, which began in 1966, awarded 152 UK firms from varying sectors the award for 2013. A quarter of those businesses nominated went on to win awards, including 147 companies with fewer than 250 employees.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is split into three categories: international trade, which commends success in overseas sales; innovation, focusing on areas of invention, design or performance improvement; and sustainable development, honouring those who have helped the environment through its management practices, products and partnerships.

This year, 116 businesses were recognised for international trade growth (eight in the print sector), 27 for innovation (two in print) and nine for sustainable development (including two packaging businesses, Pureprint and Vegware).

Inca Digital was commended for its 83.3% growth in overseas sales over the past three years, and it is the first award that the Cambridge-based flatbed inkjet manufacturer has won since 2005, when it took home awards for both international trade and innovation.

Inca Digital director of sales and marketing Heather Kendle said: "Inca should be proud because it is quite a significant win as it is recognised internationally even though it is very much UK-based.

"When we won before it helped a lot as distributors and companies outside the UK saw it as recognition of companies that had done well and deserved recognition for our efforts.

"It has been a tough few trading years but despite that, we have experienced continued growth and entered new markets."

De La Rue, which currently holds the Bank of England banknote printing contract, was commended for innovation of the Optiks secure banknote substrate which has helped to combat counterfeiting.

Welsh industrial roller manufacturer Just Rollers won in the international trade category due to its 50% increase in export sales over the past three years, accounting for 60% of the current production and boosting turnover to £8m.

Totalpost, a manufacturer of consumables and mailroom equipment and distributor of X-ray mail-based threat detection equipment, won an international trade award after gaining a third of the European market share over the past four years. International sales have grown by 82% in three years and are made in 38 countries.

Since submitting its entry, the Cumbrian firm has opened an office in Paris and is in the process of establishing a German base and expanding its US presence.

"Totalpost’s growth would not have been possible without the phenomenal team we have. We carefully researched our markets and customers and above all else worked incredibly hard," said managing director David Hymers.

Business and Energy Minister Michael Fallon said: "The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are one of the most internationally-recognised and sought after awards that a UK business can achieve. They give companies prestige, an edge overseas and a well deserved boost.

"The Queen's Awards highlight our strong entrepreneurial streak and the excellent businesses we have up and down the country who are growing, creating jobs, making a valuable contribution to the economy and helping us to compete in the global race. I applaud each and every one of the winners."

Winners of the Queen’s Awards are visited by a Royal representative and attend a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace. They can use the emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of their quality and success.

Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2013 winners in print and publishing

Innovation
De La Rue – Optiks banknotes
FFEI – SCN400

International Trade
Charterhouse
Easypack
First Magazine
Global Inkjet Systems
Hotdocs
Inca Digital
Just Rollers
Totalpost

Sustainable Development
Vegware
Pureprint