A freight company and biotechnology business have been given royal recognition for their success in international trade.

CRM Logistics in Strood and AbBaltis in Sittingbourne are among more than 100 British businesses which have received a Queen’s Award today.

Regarded as the most prestigious business awards in the country, the prize means each firm will be visited by a royal representative, who will present them with a crystal bowl to mark the achievement.

Businesses are also able to use the Queen’s Award emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for five years.

CRM Logistics, which employs 16 people, has seen its overseas earnings grow by 575% in the last six years.

The firm, based on the Medway City Estate and formed in 2003, gained plaudits for its “high-quality after-sales reporting” and using software which allows customers to track and trace cargo.

AbBaltis, based at Kent Science Park, specialises in supplying research-ready blood to the drug industry to test for diseases in the development of vaccinations.

Formed in 2010, the company, which employs six people, was praised for the speed it delivers its perishable product and for its “outstanding overseas sales growth” in the last three years.

CRM Logistics managing director Matthew Smith said: "This award reflects the dedication and hard work our staff have shown in recent years and we will look forward to having the UK’s highest official accolade for business success to promote our company further.

"CRM has increased sales significantly to international companies by offering freight, transport and warehouse services at the highest level.

"As a service provider we do not have a physical product to sell, which means the staff we train and employ dictate the success of the company."

AbBaltis managing director Giedre Brandao said: “We are exporting to countries like China and South Korea – 98% of our revenue comes from exports.

“Our product supports the international diagnostics market and innovation which is helping people get diagnosed faster and therefore, get better faster.”