Private health company Bupa International has been awarded one of the UK's most prestigious awards for business performance.

The Brighton-based firm is one of 137 nationwide companies to scoop a Queen's Award for Enterprise.

They are granted every year to mark the Queen's birthday on the advice of the Prime Minister and an advisory committee including representatives of industry, commerce, government and trade unions.

Bupa International, which employs 325 staff at its Russell Mews headquarters, won for outstanding achievement in the international trade category.

It is the second time the company has picked up a Queen's Award, having been a previous winner for export achievement in 1999.

Keith Biddlestone, managing director of Bupa International, said: "We are thrilled to receive this award, which is down to the hard work of the team at Bupa International.

"Over the past few years the business has gone from strength to strength, achieving an annual increase in customers of nearly ten per cent.

"As the world's largest expatriate health insurer, with more than 288,000 members living in 190 countries, we know people's needs for international healthcare are continually evolving.

"With more and more companies expanding overseas, we hope to build on the success of recent years to deliver even more for our members.

"We want to help give more people living and working abroad peace of mind about their healthcare.

April 26, 2005