Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) has won the Best Aerospace and Defence Company award at the first-ever Made in the UK National finals, which were organised by the Insider Media internet news service. Held in Liverpool, the awards formed part of the International Festival for Business 2014.

The awards, which brought together regional winners across 10 categories, are presented to companies that are deemed to have had the biggest impact in terms of employment, growth, and exports. In making the award, the judges noted that “SSTL is a major employer in Guildford and its single-minded commitment to R&D really impressed the judges, as did the company’s significant growth in sales from new markets.”

SSTL CEO Matt Perkins said: “This award acknowledges the talent, dedication and effort made by everyone in the company to achieve the success we have delivered over the years. Our low-cost and innovative approach to satellite engineering is enabling a space-based future for everyone, delivering applications such as satellite navigation, flood monitoring and search and rescue operations.”