A SHEERNESS company that started trading more than 20 years ago with just three employees has just been awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Checkmate Avon, in New Road, which now has 59 staff in Sheppey, was one of only two Kent companies to be awarded the Queen's Award for International Trade in 2004.

The Queen's representative in Kent, Lord Lieutenant Allan Willett, visited the Sheerness site, which includes offices, production facility, training and testing areas, on October 26 to present the award.

On the receiving end were Checkmate chairman Paul Auston and production supervisor Robin Butcher, who has worked for the company for 22 years since he left school.

Checkmate UK Ltd manufactures height safety equipment and textile lifting slings from its Sheerness base and engineered rubber products from its facility in Melksham, Wiltshire.

In his speech to the audience of dignitaries, business customers, suppliers and staff, the Lord Lieutenant stressed the importance of the Queen's Award and commended Checkmate on achieving 50 per cent growth in a three-year period. He praised the company for its leadership and teamwork.

He went on to say it was vital for the economic future of the country that the UK develops a culture of enterprise and innovation and the ability to export is vital.

Paul Auston said the award had been the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the staff and board of Checkmate.

He added: "The Queen's Award for International Trade is by no means run-of-the-mill and is only given to those companies who can prove their commitment and success in overseas markets.

"This year the business has continued to grow and we have introduced a twilight shift at the factory, providing additional jobs, to satisfy increased demand for our products.

"Being a Queen's Award winner has enhanced our credentials in international markets and we look forward to a continued growth in our overseas sales. We are very proud to have received this award."