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A healthcare products manufacturer which supplies the NHS has been handed a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Caerphilly-based Direct Healthcare Group has been given the prestigious honour for its services to international trade.

The company, based on Caerphilly’s Western Industrial Estate, specialises in equipment for patients with limited mobility – including mattresses, seating and bathroom safety items.

It is the second time the company has won a Queen’s Award – having been awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2016.

Graham Ewart, CEO at Direct Healthcare Group, said: “I am delighted that we have been awarded a second Queen’s Award today for our international trade. In just ten years, we’ve grown from a company with one product, solely focussed on the UK, to one with a portfolio of products and trading in more than 40 countries across the globe.

“The past 12 months has seen us enter an array of different markets and we are now a truly international group with pan-European operations.

“Over the next 12 months, we will continue to focus on this geographical expansion to provide better healthcare outcomes for those in need, wherever they live.”

He added: “This recognition is another reminder of the valuable work we do in our sector and I’m particularly proud of our team who have worked tirelessly over the year.”

Earlier this year, the company announced it was on course to see its turnover grow by almost 50%.

It now holds 15% market share in Europe for its sector across pressure ulcer prevention and patient handling. Exports soared to an annualised £27.6million in the year to December.

The company distributes products across Europe, Asia, North America and Oceania, having seen a 730% increase in overseas sales over the past six years.

A representative of the Queen will present the company with the award at an official presentation ceremony, which is set to be held at the company’s Caerphilly base later this year.