Several companies from the conference, event and leisure sectors are celebrating after winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise – the UK's most prestigious annual accolade for business success.

In total, 119 Business Awards were announced this year – 71 for International Trade, 40 for Innovation and eight for Sustainable Development. As ever, winning companies come from a vast range of business sectors, and range in size from two firms with just three employees to an international giant employing 68,000 people.

Among this year's winners from the conference, events and leisure sectors are international musical attraction The Edinburgh Military Tattoo, and three specialist conference and event organisers for the oil and gas, coal and airline industries (CWC Group, Coaltrans Conferences and Routes respectively).

To mark their achievement, a representative from each winning company is being invited to attend a special reception in London on Tuesday 24 April 2007 in the presence of HRH The Duke of York. The actual presentation of each company's Award by a Queen's representative takes place later in the year. Winning firms also benefit from extensive publicity, increase recognition and the chance to use the coveted Queen's Award Emblem in all marketing for five years. Representatives from each company are also invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace in the summer.

Richard Lambert, director-general of the Confederation of British Industry, said: “Winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise is a tremendous achievement and this year's winners are very worthy recipients that reflect the strength and diversity of UK plc.

"Whether they have been recognised for their successes in international trade, innovation or sustainable development, all are great examples of how enterprise and acumen can improve a business and drive its success.

"All the winners should take great pride in their Award. They will provide inspiration for other businesses to follow in their footsteps and give the United Kingdom the cutting edge it needs to succeed in the 21st century."

The deadline for applications for the 2008 Queen's Awards is 31 October 2007. Winners and recipients will be announced on 21 April 2008. For more information, visit www.queensawards.org.uk.