export award: A Great Yarmouth-based firm specialising in the offshore industry has received a presigious award for its export growth.

Applied Acoustic Engineering, in Gapton Hall Road, received the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, recognising six years of continuous export growth, boosting revenues by 300pc.

The award was presented by Richard Jewson, Lord-Lieutenant for Norfolk, above left, to the company’s managing director Adam Darling, pictured right, on Friday. After the presentation, Mr Darling said: “It shows to our peers in our industry and our customers that we do a good job.

“I think it is quite a prestigious award and it can only do good. I think, certainly, from the response we have had from our overseas agents, they view it positively – so I hope it will help us progress in the market and help us gain some business.”

Mr Jewson said the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognise success in business and are presented annually based on the recommendation of the prime minister.

Categories include Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development. Of all the entrants, only 95 companies received the International Trade award.

He said: “The handing over of industry awards is one of the more delightful duties that I undertake and it gives me great pleasure to be here today to celebrate your company’s success.

“It is quite clear that Applied Acoustics have travelled a journey from a goat shed in Belton to the premises you have today and during the 21 years, the company’s business has grown steadily,” he added.

The company designs and manufactures underwater acoustic positioning, tracking and survey equipment, sold mainly to the commercial offshore energy market.

However, increasingly sales have been secured with oceanographic research institutions and naval defence industries.

Applied Acoustics’ largest overseas market is the USA followed by the Far East. New markets established in recent years include Australia, Canada, Argentina, Brazil and India. The company is gearing up for more orders in 2010 with new jobs planned for May.