The Salamander Organization, based at York Science Park, was today celebrating receiving a Queen's Award For Enterprise under the innovation category.

It is the third innovation award for the transformation methods and software development company in as many years.

The company received a DTI Smart award in 2003 and an Institute of Electrical Engineers award for innovation in 2001.

The UK's most prestigious recognition of outstanding business achievement was presented to Salamander yesterday by the Queen's representative, Lord Crathorne, Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire.

Salamander works with varying businesses, delivering benefits in communications, process and performance. The award was largely for its Transformation Lifecycle application and supporting technologies, used by large, complex organisations and programmes.

Clients include public and private sector organisations, from the Ministry of Defence and global operations such as Hewlett Packard, insurance broker Willis and TNT to York-based Agilisys and Family Fund.

Joining Salamander in its celebrations was Roger Benson, Business Link York and North Yorkshire innovation and technology adviser, who helped the company to obtain the DTI Smart feasibility award the previous year.

Dr Dick Whittington, chief technology officer and one of the company's founders, said: "The award is for everyone - as we have all been instrumental in delivering the creativity and energy to build our successful business.

"It is a great springboard for us as we develop our business into the future, putting York squarely on the innovation map."

Updated: 11:14 Friday, October 08, 2004