A WINCHESTER specialist construction company has been presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – the UK’s highest accolade for businesses.

Lakesmere Group, which is based in Moorside Road in Winnall, is celebrating after being awarded for business excellence in International Trade, for its performance in the overseas construction market.

Their activities have resulted in exports rising from one per cent to 30 per cent in turnover.

Mark Davey, Lakesmere Group’s chief executive officer, said: “I am so pleased and honoured that we have won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. This is fantastic recognition for all our people who have put in so much hard work, innovation and teamwork to make the business so successful. I cannot be more proud of this achievement. Thank you to our loyal clients and supply chain partners who have also made this success possible.”

Founded in 1993, the company now employs around 900 people with a current turnover in excess of £100 million.

Some of their projects include Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower and the London Aquatics Centre.

A selection of the firm’s managers and directors will attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace later this year, where they will be presented with the award by HM the Queen.

Other categories include Innovation and Sustainable Development.