A COMPANY which has almost trebled its overseas business has won a royal salute for its continuing success.

Glassbond (NW) Ltd, which employs 40 people, has been presented with the prestigious Queen's Award for Enterprise (International Trade) by the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside.

The company won the honour for its continuous achievement over six years, with overseas earnings not far short of trebling and representing more than two-thirds of total sales.

Since the company was set up in1978, Glassbond has developed its speciality adhesive cements for use by the lighting industry and now supplies to over 50 countries across Europe, USA and the Asia Pacific region.

Richard Caborn, the former trade and industry department minister responsible for supervising the awards (now the new Sport Minister) says the winners were "some of the creme de la creme of Britain's business."

Mr Caborn says their dynamism exemplified the best of British innovation and creativity. "The Queen's Awards recognise the achievements behind the top UK business success stories, in the same way that an OBE or a knighthood recognises the contribution of an individual," he said.

Derek Randell, Chairman of Glassbond (NW) Ltd stated " Exporting has been

tough over recent years. This award is a tribute to the teamwork and dedication to customer service of all the staff and directors at Glassbond".

Kath Boullen, Chief Executive at St Helens Chamber said "The Queen's Award is one of the highest honours that can be bestowed on a UK business.

Glassbond have built their business on good quality technical advice and customer service and now has a worldwide reputation as one of the leading independent manufacturers in their field".