The Duke of Kent honours successful British businesses with The Queen's Awards for Enterprise

Bristol-based British Corner Shop were awarded the accolade for their success in international trade distributing British food brands to consumers worldwide.

First set up and run from the founder's garage, British Corner Shop now employs 40 people and ships British goods to nearly 200 countries worldwide.  Managing Director Mark Callaghan said "I would like to give special thanks to our hardworking, innovative and customer-focused staff who always go the extra mile and are instrumental in allowing us to deliver truly exceptional, British service."

The Duke also presented an Award to Precision Dippings Manufacturing, who have innovated waterproof covers which allow people with dressings or plaster casts to swim and bathe. From the initial concept, sparked when one of the directors' children had to wear a plaster cast, the company has developed a whole consumer range of waterproof covers, called Bloccs, and have subsequently been awarded The Queen's Award for Enterprise: Innovation.

On his visit to the third winner, Helipebs Controls, The Duke of Kent was taken on a tour of the factory where the company manufacture hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders for industries such as motor racing, aircraft production, oil and gas, and vacuum cleaners.

The Duke also met workers and the firm's many apprentices before awarding presenting them with their Award for International Trade.

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise recognise business achievement in the three areas of Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development. Dame Janet Trotter, Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, who accompanied The Duke, described the Award as "very much the Oscars of the UK business world".