A NIGHT vision specialist, an ambulance ramp designer and the creator of a ship safety feature to protect crews from pirates are among the latest local recipients of a Queen's Award for Enterprise.

Announced today by business secretary Sajid Javid, the annual Queen's Awards are given for businesses deemed to be outstanding in their field, with awards given out in recognition of success in International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Enterprise Promotion.

Among the 254 awards to be presented across the UK, in what is the 50th anniversary year for the scheme, three local business have been selected for royal acclaim.

Receiving a Queen's Award for International Trade is Stamford Bridge-based Nitesite, while SG Technical Systems in Market Weighton and Crewshield in Beverley were both given awards for Innovation.

Established in 2011, Nitesite manufactures and markets infrared night vision for zero light observation, personal security and country applications.

Invented by David and Phil Craven, Nitesite's products are exported to 31 countries, with the firm having a presence on every continent.

Lauren Simpkins, of Nitesite, said: "The vision was to create products that offered high-quality and affordable night vision to the masses.

"The range consists of spotting scope adapters for nature lovers, handheld devices for observation and personal security and scope adapters for hunting enthusiasts.

"The recognition of the Queen's Award will strengthen our commitment to innovate accessible and rewarding products."

Also founded in 2011 was Crewshield, which was created by managing director Mike Samways who initially designed and manufactured its Citadel refuge to be a safe haven for the crews of merchant vessels when threatened by pirate attack such as those off the coast of Somalia.

However, the company saw further growth following the 2013 attack on a gas plant in Algeria by terrorists linked to al-Qaeda, which ended with the deaths of about 40 foreigners including six British citizens, and proved to be the catalyst for a rise in demand for a land-based application of the refuge.

Crewshield now provides its Citadel to private companies, governments and the United Nations with key export markets including the Middle East and North Africa.

Typically each 20ft safe haven can accommodate 25 personnel with internal power capacity for 96 hours with air conditioning, lighting and communications systems.

Standard Citadels are armoured to withstand small arms fire up to and including that from armour piercing rifle ammunition as well as the effects of small explosions and grenade attacks.

Mr Samways said: "The winning of a Queen’s Award for Innovation is a major milestone for Crewshield as a business and coming relatively soon after the foundation of the company is testimony to the dedication, devotion and truly innovative work of all of our team.

"Unfortunately, we live in a world subject to seemingly endless geo-political upheaval with the tragically inevitable consequence of recurring and unexpected violent flashpoints.

"It was to address this ever-changing and increasingly widespread scenario that we developed the Crewshield Citadel and take enormous pride in knowing for a fact that it has helped to save lives both at sea and on land."

SG Technical Systems wins an Innovation Award for developing a powered, folding ambulance ramp with key patent protected features

that improve the reliability and in-service time of the product.

Supplying ambulance services across the UK, SG Technical Systems was set up in 2010 with a vision to create innovative, high quality products backed by a reputation for the highest standards of reliability.

The business has grown substantially year on year, with 2016 shaping up to be its most successful year yet with orders from UK, France, Germany, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Simon Chacksfield, managing director, said: "It is a huge honour for SG to receive the Queens Award for Enterprise. This award recognises our continual pursuit of innovation and quality and the hugely positive benefits for our customers."

SG Technical Systems currently has a workforce of eight, which is expected to increase during 2016, and works closely with a number of key suppliers in the local region.