A printing firm which made ballot papers for Afghanistan was helping promote the UK's most prestigious business awards this week.

Eastbourne-based Smith & Ouzman was visited by David Moore, chairman of the Prime Minister's advisory committee for The Queen's Award, last Tuesday.

The visit was part of a campaign to raise awareness of the benefits the award has brought past and current winners, including securing new business.

Smith and Ouzman won the International Trade Award in 2000 and again in 2005.

The family-run firm helps combat counterfeit fraud by printing election, examination and financial documents using state-of-the-art security technology.

In September last year it supplied 13 million ballot papers to 22 sorts for the Wolesi Jirga and Provincial Council Elections in Afghanistan.

The company has developed complex micro-printing techniques, anti-copy features and reactive inks at its factory. Only one firm in East Sussex and three in West Sussex won the award this year out of the 145 awarded nationally and there is concern the region is under-represented.

Mr Moore said: "Smith & Ouzman is an outstanding example of a company which fully deserves the recognition of its staff's efforts.

"Over the years Sussex has produced worthy winners but I know there are many more good quality companies in the county that stand a good chance of winning a Queen's Award next year. I urge them to put themselves forward.

"The Queen's Award gives firms a crucial promotional and marketing tool in a competitive business world.

"It is internationally recognised as the mark of a high-class business, which opens doors to new customers and suppliers. Many of our winners report increased turnover following their award.

"Any firm of merit can enter. It's a popular misconception that only big companies can win a Queen's Award. Size is irrelevant. Almost half of the 145 Awards granted this year were made to companies with fewer than 50 employees."

Nick Smith, sales director of Smith and Ouzman, said: "We have worked hard to develop our market bases across the world and this award is an acknowledgement of our success."

The Queen's Award is open to any UK-based company which employs at least two full-time staff and can demonstrate commercial success.

There are three main categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Last year a prize for outstanding individuals was introduced.

Up to ten Queen's Awards for Enterprise Promotion are available for business people, nominated by colleagues, who make outstanding contributions to nurturing business skills in others.

A single Lifetime Achievement Award may go to an individual judged to have carried out consistent enterprise. For information, call 020 7222 2277 or visit www.queensawards.org.uk .

Thursday, June 15, 2006