Land Rover has been granted two Queen's Awards for Enterprise, for international trade and for innovation.

The award is granted to companies on the Queen's birthday and allows the company to use the emblem for the next five years.

The international trade award recognises Land Rover's global expansion. It exports around 77% of production to more than 140 markets worldwide. In the last five years exports have doubled to £2.48 billion.

The innovation award recognises the hill descent control on the Land Rover Freelander and Discovery, which automatically slows the vehicles on steep off-road descents improving safety and control.

Bob Dover, Land Rover chairman and chief executive, said: “I can think of no greater way of recognising the efforts of everyone at Land Rover, in leading the world in 4x4 technology.”

Other winners from the automotive sector were Milton Keynes Pressings, NGF Europe, Stoneridge-Pollack and Unitec Ceramics.

Welcoming the awards, Trade Minister Richard Caborn said: “Today's winners are some of the crème de la crème of Britain's businesses. They are the winners of our own 'Oscars for Enterprise'.”