THE FOUNDER of engineering firm Renishaw has called for more focus on the manufacturing sector in the UK.

Sir David McMurtry, 73, was presented with a national award for business excellence at the 2013 National Business Awards in London.

The Daily Telegraph Award for a Decade of Excellence in Business recognises longevity in leadership and the winner's sustained achievements within the business community during a distinguished career.

Sir McMurtry has led the Wotton-under-Edge business for 40 years, during which time he has seen his firm reach the FTSE 250 and a staff of 3,300.

Speaking after the ceremony, he said:"Winning a national business award means that it puts the high-tech manufacturing sector in the limelight which is a wealth creator and I believe we need a lot more of.

"I think we want to put more emphasis on high-tech manufacturing and exports. We are more than 90 per cent export and i think that's what we need to get out of the mess we're in."

Sir McMurtry began his career as an apprentice at Bristol Aero Engines, which was later bought by Rolls Royce.

He had his breakthrough there when he created the first ever touch-trigger probe, after which he started Renishaw with co-founder John Deer.