Inca Digital won two awards for its flatbed digital presses, for innovation and for international trade.

Other firms taking innovation awards included repro firm Corniche Fine Arts for flexo wet proofing; coated-film supplier Autotype International for ink-receptive coating used for mobile phone fascias; security printer Checkprint for cheque handling software; Norprint for its Nortag; and Xaar for ink-jet print heads.

Firms picking up international trade awards included chemical supplier Varn Products, labelling and ID specialist Silver Fox, lottery ticket producer Scientific Games International and security printer Smith & Ouzman.

"Winning the award has consolidated our socio-political commitment and galvanised our position as UK and overseas leaders," said Smith & Ouzman managing director Christopher Smith. His award in the international trade, innovation and sustainability category was the second consecutive royal stamp of approval. Prior to the award the company was visited by HRH Prince Andrew last summer.

The winners can use the Queen's Award logo on goods, packaging and marketing materials for five years. And as well as the red-carpet treatment at the palace the companies receive a site visit from a royal representative.

Story by Jez Abbott