ENTERPRISING companies across the area have been awarded prestigious Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

The region’s business leaders were recognised in Monday’s awards on the Queen’s birthday, which celebrate outstanding achievement in international trade, innovation, sustainable development and enterprise.

Gloucestershire companies triumphed, winning five out of the 14 Queen’s Awards granted in the South West.

Leading the way was Queen’s Award stalwart Renishaw, who has now scooped a record 17 awards since 1973, including eight in just 11 years.

The global engineering firm, based in Wotton-under-Edge, received the Queen’s Award for Innovation for its inVia Raman microscope, which can generate high definition 2D and 3D chemical images.

Chairman and chief executive Sir David McMurtry said: “Although we have won many Queen’s Awards, this is very special as it is the first to recognise our achievements outside the field of industrial metrology.

“Congratulations to all the Renishaw staff around the world that have contributed to the success of this internationally acclaimed research system.”

In South Gloucestershire, Aircraft giant Airbus received the Queen’s Award for International Trade for outstanding overseas sales growth over the last three years.

The awarding panel also commended the firm’s attention to environmental issues by striving to improve fuel consumption rates.

Airbus facilities in Filton, Bristol and Broughton, North Wales design and manufacture aircraft wings for the full range of the Airbus aircraft.

Tom Williams, director of Airbus Operations said: “We are very proud and honoured to receive this award which recognises the significant UK expertise and skills which goes towards producing the leading range of aircraft in operation with airlines around the world.

“We make a major contribution in supporting the UK’s status as a leading aerospace exporter.”

Meanwhile a Chipping Sodbury travel agent has celebrated her company’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Sarah Todd runs her own home-based travel business as part of independent travel company Travel Counsellors.

The company was commended for bringing its successful business model to overseas markets from South Africa to Dubai.