TWO Colchester-based companies have scooped one of the most prestigious commercial awards in the country.

Ultimotive Ltd has been awarded the Queen’s Award for enterprise - recognising the company’s excellence in international trade.

Ultimotive makes and supplies chemical cleaning products for the global car industry.

Founded in 2003 by managing director Andy Smith, the company supplies major brands including Williams F1, MotoGP, Michelin, and its own label Caiman.

It employs 13 staff at its Colchester headquarters.

This year the company, on Severalls Business Park, will be launching new products in Asia.

Andy Smith said: “The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is probably the most prestigious business award - and to be recognised for our contribution to international trade reflects the global appetite for our products.

“When it comes to professional automotive cleaning products, Ultimotive is proud to fly the flag for Britain.

“Now, quite literally, we will be flying the flag with the prestigious moniker and emblem of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise on our building and our product packaging.”

Employing 13 staff at its Colchester headquarters, Ultimotive has also won prizes at the Essex Business Awards as well as the Innovation 50 Awards.

Conservative MP for Colchester, Will Quince, supported the application for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

He said: “Congratulations to the team at Ultimotive.

“This award is not only excellent news for the company, but also for Essex as it illustrates the quality of commercial manufacturing in this part of the UK.

“The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a true accolade and is a perfect platform for the company to continue to grow internationally.”

Cloudfm, a facilities management company in Colchester, has also been awarded the prize in the innovation category.

It is the first time a maintenance company has been honoured for innovation in 10 years.

Cloudfm has 330 employees, and a client list that includes some of the world’s leading brands such as KFC, Pizza Express, TUI, Zizzi, The Range, The Guardian Media Group, and Westminster Central Hall.

The firm is also based on the Severalls Business Park.

Jeff Dewing, CEO of Cloudfm said: “We launched the business in 2011 with the sole purpose of restoring faith in our industry, using ground-breaking technology and processes to promote the right behaviour.

“Our unique use of data and uncompromising attitude to transparency mean our clients and supply chain partners trust us – everyone is rewarded for doing the right thing, which brings significant commercial gains for all involved as we have consistently demonstrated.

“We hope this award will further support us in this mission, inspiring others to follow our lead.”