Norfolk businesses have been given the royal seal of approval for their remarkable achievement in overseas trade.

Four firms from across the county have received the Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade, signalling their outstanding overseas earnings at a time when the government is urging companies to export more to help strengthen the UK economy.

The businesses receiving the awards include EV Offshore in Norwich; PCL Ceramics in King's Lynn; SEACON (europe) in Great Yarmouth; and STG Aerospace in Swaffham.

Vince Cable, secretary of state for Business, Innovation and Skills, said: 'Companies that are growing, innovating and championing UK business overseas deserve the recognition that these awards bestow.

'With more than 100 international trade winners this year, it is clear that Britain is emerging as a leader in selling its quality services and products throughout the world.'

Norwich-based EV Offshore manufactures downhole cameras to assess risks during oil and gas drilling operations. It mounted an overseas earnings growth of 1176pc over last three years with sales in the US, Canada, Norway and Malaysia. The firm recently completed a £400,000 move into a new technology centre in Frensham Road on the Sweet Briar Industrial Estate.

PCL Ceramics manufactures high pressure casting equipment and resin moulds for the worldwide ceramic industry. In the last three years it has achieved 180pc overseas earnings growth and secured major customers in Algeria, Mexico and Russia.

SEACON (europe) designs and manufactures electrical/optical and hybrid connector cable systems. It has forged deals in US, France and Norway and expanded its workforce from 89 to 110 over the past three years.

Meanwhile, Swaffham-based STG Aerospace, which develops innovative strip lighting for the aviation industry, has increased its export sales by 47pc over the past three years.

Matthew Hancock, skills and enterprise minister, said: 'The fact that small businesses can share these honours with large household names illustrates that they are the backbone of our economy and deserve to be recognised as such.'

This year, 162 businesses were recognised with awards, including 110 companies winning awards for international trade, 39 for innovation and 13 for sustainable development.

Winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are visited by a royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl to mark their achievement. They also attend a reception at Buckingham Palace.

• Has your business picked up a prestigious award? Contact business writer Ben Woods on ben.woods@archant.co.uk and share your achievements in the business supplement's celebrating success column.