Falmouth based technology firm Watson-Marlow was recognised on Thursday for its contribution to overseas trade with the presentation of the Queen's Award for Enterprise: International Trade 2017.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Colonel Edward Bolitho OBE presented the award, which reflects the company’s continuous growth of 76.6 per cent in overseas sales, to Watson-Marlow Limited and BioPure Technology Limited after it was originally announced on the Queen’s 91st birthday in April.

Colonel Bolitho was shown around the company’s manufacturing facilities in Falmouth and was given an introduction to the BioPure range, ahead of a celebratory barbecue at the company's headquarters.

He told the company's employees: "If Cornwall is ever to grow its economy and its wages are to get up to the level that other parts of the country have, it has to be done by groups like Watson Marlow.

"Down here in Falmouth they employ over 200 people, with a business that's doing business with the rest of the world in a fantastic way.

"It's a fantastic success story for Cornwall and something that Cornwall needs to be doing more of."

David Cole, group supply director at Watson-Marlow Fluid Technology Group, said: “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is one of the most prestigious business awards in the country and I am absolutely delighted to receive it on behalf of Watson-Marlow and our colleagues at BioPure. We are all very proud that our factories in Cornwall and Hampshire are not only providing employment for nearly 400 people, but also demonstrating that our high quality and precision products, manufactured here in the UK, are valued throughout the world."

The award citation commends Watson-Marlow which manufactures peristaltic pumps and tubing for sectors including sectors are biopharmaceutical, food and beverage, medical and mining, and Portsmouth-based BioPure, which specialises in fluid path components, for "outstanding continuous growth in overseas sales over the last six years."

It also notes: "It is the world leader in its field and has successfully implemented a detailed growth strategy which will enable it to continue to expand its business in what is a growing market worldwide."