A Cwmbran company which won a Queen's Award for Enterprise played host to two experts from the Queen's Awards Office in a bid to encourage other Welsh firms to apply for this ultimate business accolade - described by one previous winner as being "like a corporate knighthood".

Comtec Europe Ltd won its Queen's Award for outstanding growth and development in business and commerce, alongside exceptional levels of innovation over a sustained period of time, specialising in travel selling and agency management systems.

Chief executive Simon Powell welcomed Steve Brice, secretary of The Queen's Awards Office, and David Moore, secretary of the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee, as part of a whistle-stop tour of Wales to explain the benefits of The Queen's Award for Enterprise. Mr Powell said: "I'm very proud that Comtec was selected to receive this prestigious award. "I would have no hesitation in recommending that other innovative Welsh firms put themselves forward as there is no doubt that the independent recognition it offers has helped greatly to raise our company's profile."

There are three business categories (international trade, innovation and sustainable development) and a new individual award, The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, for people making outstanding contributions to the promotion of enterprise skills and attitudes in others.