THREE Worcestershire and Herefordshire companies have been announced as winners of Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

For ETL Systems of Madley, near Hereford, which makes electronic equipment for satellite communications, the news represents a remarkable third success in the international trade category.

There is a first time win for Herefordshire gourmet crisp makers Tyrrells, of Stretford Bridge, near Leominster.

From Worcestershire there is a second successive award for specialist control room furniture designer Winsted of Droitwich. The achievement for Winsted comes as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2013 by introducing two major new products into its expanding range of equipment solutions, which include consoles, media storage equipment and monitors.

Terry Shough, the company’s general manager, said: “To win the award once was a great achievement, but a second time in succession is an amazing result.

“It is a testament to the hard work, commitment and professionalism of all our staff, distributors and suppliers.”

Growing overseas sales have helped ETL Systems to its third award and the technology company has posted impressive new or increasing orders in Ukraine, Slovenia, Poland, Argentina, Indonesia, Japan, Greenland, and Chile and significantly increased sales in the USA.

Managing director and chief executive Ian Hilditch said: “We are overjoyed to have been recognised for our ongoing success in international markets. “Our sales figures are proof we are acknowledged as one of the best in our sector. “We are truly a global company with strong roots in the UK.”

ETL has been designing and manufacturing equipment since 1984 and earlier this year opened a new North American headquarters to take advantage of its ongoing and rapid expansion on the continent Tyrrells, which was founded by former owner potato farmer William Chase in 2002, now trades with more than 30 countries worldwide and in the past three years has achieved overseas earnings growth of 113 per cent.

It even sells crisps through speciality channels in Moscow, retailing at an incredible £5 per pack in premium food outlets. The company’s chief executive David Milner said: “Our success internationally proves the entertaining English character of Tyrrells crisps, resonates well with a global audience.

“We’re also rather pleased that our perfectly cooked English crisps have been well received by our friends across the pond in the USA – home to the original potato ‘chip’.

“With international trade set to represent almost a quarter of our turnover next year, it’s a strong signal to other enterprising brands to broaden their customer base and explore lucrative opportunities overseas.”

Winners of the Queen’s Awards are visited by a Royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl to mark their achievement.