Guildford-based Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd’s strong track record of exports —totalling £1.15 billion over a 30-year period — has been honoured with an International Board of Trade Award.

This was presented last month to Sarah Parker, SSTL’s managing director, by International Trade Secretary Liam Fox at the first International Board of Trade Awards ceremony — held on board HMS Queen Elizabeth in New York.

Dr Fox said: “As a global leader in the small-satellite field, SSTL is a fantastic advocate for international trade. Accountable for 40% of the global small-satellite export market, the company is a fantastic example of British expertise leading the way in space technology.”

On receiving the award, Ms Parker said: “I am delighted to accept this award in recognition of SSTL’s impressive international export figures — a testament to the space engineering expertise, innovative flair and collaborative spirit of our employees.”

Since the company (www.sstl.co.uk) was founded in 1985, it has grown from four to 500 employees, and it now has an annual turnover of £100 million.

Following the launch of seven satellites this year alone, SSTL has now launched 57 satellites on 34 launches from eight launch sites around the world. It has also provided 18 training programmes for international customers, including the USA, Kazakhstan, Nigeria, Chile, Thailand and South Korea.