An international medical device company is celebrating a double win in this year's Queen's Awards for Enterprise.
Biocomposites, which is based at Keele University, has been recognised in the Innovation and International Trade categories.
The company – which engineers, manufactures and markets world leading products for use in infection management in bone and soft tissue – is one of only seven organisations nationally to achieve two Queen's Awards in 2022.
Established in Staffordshire in 1997, Biocomposites now employs more than 200 people and specialises in the development of innovative calcium compounds for surgical use.
It has been recognised in the Innovation category for its development of STIMULAN Rapid Cure, which helps to reduce infection rates in surgical procedures.
It is the first and only calcium sulfate antibiotic carrier that is approved for use in infected bone and soft tissue.
READ MORE: Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2022 - read about all the West Midlands winners
At the same time, Biocomposites has also been recognised in the International Trade category, for its 'outstanding' continuous growth in overseas sales.
Over the last six years, sales have grown by more than 200 per cent across 40 countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, China, Canada and India.
Michael Harris, chief executive officer of Biocomposites, said: "The Queen's Awards are the most prestigious business awards in the UK and we are proud that Biocomposites has been honoured with two of them.
"It is very pleasing to see our relentless focus on research and development recognised with an innovation award for STIMULAN as well as recognition for our incredible growth in global markets.
"I would like to thank the entire team at Biocomposites whose dedication to innovation and helping patients has made this achievement possible."
Biocomposites is one of 25 winners from the West Midlands which have been recognised in 2022 across four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Promoting Opportunity and Sustainable Development.
Other Staffordshire winners include global cashback business TopCashBack, based in Stafford, which was recognised in the International Trade category.
TopCashBack has seen its overseas sales increase by more than 750 per cent in the last six years, after launching local versions of its branded website in the USA, China and Germany.
While Stone packaging firm Woolcool was successful in the Sustainable Development category.
Since 2009, the firm has used approximately 20 million kilograms of coarse wool in its packaging that would have gone to waste, and customers switching to Woolcool saved 40 million polystyrene boxes from landfill – enough to stretch from Lands End to John O'Groats and back five times.
Elsewhere, Tamworth-based cement products manufacturer Instarmac Group and industrial sensor specialist Longvale Ltd, in Burton-on-Trent, were recognised in the International Trade category.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: "This country is renowned for its entrepreneurial achievements and there is no greater showcase for it than The Queen's Awards.
"It's vital we celebrate the success of our businesses and recognise the contributions they make to communities across the country.
"I congratulate this year's winners for their hard work and commitment over the last year and I wish them every success for the future."
Announced annually by Her Majesty on her birthday, The Queen's Awards for Enterprise is one of the world's most distinguished business awards, celebrating and recognising enterprise excellence in UK companies.
Winners' awards are valid for five years. During that period, winners are permitted to fly The Queen's Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials.
They are also given an official certificate and a commemorative crystal trophy.
