A scrap metal merchant whose exports have rocketed by 368 per cent in three years was the only Sussex company to win a Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Metal Interests in Appledram Lane South, Chichester, was given the accolade on Saturday, the Queen's birthday, with 118 other companies.

The five-man firm, which recycles and sells non-ferrous metals all over the world, was honoured in the International Trade category of the annual awards scheme.

The economic boom in China has helped fuel its extraordinary growth.

Last year the People's Republic accounted for more than half Metal Interests' overseas sales.

Other significant markets include India, Spain, Italy and the USA.

Managing director Roger Brewster said: "Our success was to call the market early.

"We knew China was going to be a huge opportunity so we wasted no time getting a foothold there."

The company gained accreditation to export directly to China and has been on numerous trade visits to the country in the last 18 months to build relationships with customers.

It was also singled out for its attitude towards the environment. Most of its work involves the complete recovery of scrap metal to minimise waste and it employs "closed loop recycling" a technique which drastically reduces C02 emissions.

In this instance closed loop means taking scrap, usually aluminium, and separating its component parts during recycling so it can be re-used for its original purpose.

Metal Interests, whose clients include aircraft manufacturers, estimates it saved 137,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions last year by using this method.

Mr Brewster said: "I have always had a genuine passion for recycling. If you keep digging oil out of the ground, metaphorically speaking, it will run out one day. We have to think about conservation and sustainability."

Metal Interests is developing markets in Hungary and Australia. In the year to October 31, 2006, its export sales exceeded £7.75 million, out of total sales of £17 million.

Mr Brewster said: "We are thrilled to win. In the developing countries prestige still counts for something so we will definitely be making full use of this award."

Richard Lambert, director general of the Confederation of British Industry, said this year's winners reflected the strength and diversity of "UK Plc".

He said: "All are examples of how enterprise and acumen can improve a business."