A YORK travel wholesaler and a Heworth health and social care landlord are among the recipients of this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

The Group Company, based in Low Ousegate and Inclusion Housing were two of more than 100 businesses named on Saturday as winners of the awards for 2018.

The Queen’s enterprise awards are given to businesses in recognition of Innovation, International Trade, Promoting Opportunity (through social inclusion) and Sustainable Development.

The Group Company, which was founded in 2006 and employs a team of 40 staff, received an International Trade award, while an Innovation Award was granted to Inclusion Housing, which currently supports more than 1000 vulnerable people to live independently.

The Group Company, established by Helen Bilton, has demonstrated impressive year-on-year expansion, in tandem with a 95 per cent repeat business rate, and an 85 per cent employee engagement score – far exceeding the 45 per cent national average.

The Group Company now boasts a business presence around the globe. With headquarters in York,presence in Maastricht, the Netherlands, and its new USA office in Boston, MA, The Group Company is quickly taking on the international market in B2B wholesaling.

Ms Bilton said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled to have won the Queen’s Award, it is a tremendous privilege and we are all very proud.

“A strong, personal relationship with our clients, our suppliers, and between colleagues is absolutely what has driven our success.

“A key to our success is in how much we prioritise ongoing professional development and training.”

The Group Company’s international clientele includes tour operators such as Rick Steves Travel, Image Tours, World Strides, and Delta Vacations.

As one of the few Queen’s Award winners, The Group Company will receive an invitation to attend an exclusive reception at Buckingham Palace with the Queen later this year.