TWO Malvern businesses had a day to remember as their new premises were given a royal seal of approval.

The Princess Royal visited two of Malvern's longest established technology businesses, QinetiQ and Dytecna yesterday.

Wearing a scarlet jacket and pleated skirt and dark glasses, the Princess first called at QinetiQ, where she opened new conferencing and catering facility, the Tom Elliott Centre.

As the royal patron of the Women into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) campaign she also spoke with some of the company's leading female scientists and engineers about their research.

Projects on display as she toured the building included Tarsier, a unique radar system to detect debris on airport runways, and a 3-D foot-measuring gauge that has its origins in bomb disposal technology and is now being used in shoe shops.

Afterwards the Princess unveiled a commemorative plaque and met Tom Elliott, the thermal imaging expert and former QinetiQ employee who gives his name to the new building.

QinetiQ chairman Sir John Chisholm said he was delighted that someone with such a profound influence on the promotion of science and engineering had agreed to open the centre.

The Princess then travelled by Land Rover to the Malvern Hills Science Park, to open Dytecna's new premises following its move from Spring Lane in January.

The visit had extra significance as Dytecna is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

The company provides engineering, manufacture and logistic support to both defence and industrial sectors and last year opened an office in Australia.

After meeting the site's 160 staff during a tour of the building, the Princess unveiled a plaque during a special marquee reception.

Dytecna held an open day for its customers to mark the anniversary, but sales and marketing executive Keith Mowbray said the royal visit was something for the staff.

"We felt this should be a celebration for them, as it is their efforts that have made us what we are today," he said. "To have such an important person here shows how far we have come as a business, and everyone has a great sense of pride at the visit."