Royal recognition has been given to three local businesses to mark their success in overseas markets.

First-time winner of the Queen’s Award for International Trade is family-run orthodontic and laboratory supplies firm DB Orthodontics Ltd in Silsden.

With distributors in 44 different countries across six continents, DB Orthodontics now exports 29 per cent of turnover and has achieved overall export growth of more than 130 per cent in three years.

The company was set up by managing director David Burdess, who has 40 years experience in orthodontics, in 1998, with his son Christian, who is a director alongside sister Victoria.

It started in a converted outbuilding at Mr Burdess’ home and now occupies an 8,000 sq ft purpose-built warehouse and office employing 25 staff. The business is looking to expand its premises and workforce to meet increasing demand for its range of products, including dental implants, instruments and equipment.

Victoria Burdess said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised with such a prestigious award. Winning our first Queen’s Award for International Trade is the culmination of many years of hard work to succeed in our vision of becoming a global leader in orthodontic and laboratory supplies. We are extremely proud of the achievements of our team and on behalf of the company I would like to thank all of our staff, partners and customers for their remarkable contribution to our on-going success.”

Two other local companies have clinched their second Queen’s Award for International Trade.

Europlus Direct Ltd, based at Salts Mill, Saltaire, was founded by managing director Jim Hart in 2004 to supply IT and hardware services to IBM users and was first recognised in 2008.

The business, which now has 33 staff, has achieved significant export-led growth, with overseas sales accounting for 95 per cent of the total sales in the last year. Overseas earnings growth was 107 per cent over three years. It now has service contracts in 120 countries, offices in six countries and is planning further expansion, including in Zimbabwe.

Mr Hart said the award also recognised Europlus Direct’s move into the United States where it had a pipeline of sales and continued progress on the African continent.

“Gaining our second Queen’s Award is really good news. It is something that is widely recognised and highly regarded in overseas markets and will help us maintain growth.”

Another second-time winner is Osborn Metals Limited, of Low Moor, Bradford, which employs 100 people processing materials, for the aerospace, petrochemicals and defence sectors.

Osborn exports around 75 per cent of output and its export growth has been driven by success in the aerospace industry, where its materials are used in components for aircraft such as the Boeing 787 and A350.

Ian Gale, managing director, said the Bradford site was enjoying its fullest forward order book since the 1980s and over the past two years had added about 15 employees.

He said: “We’ve added a second shift to cope with the busy workflow and getting another Queen’s Award is fantastic and helps us wave the flag around the world.”