Leading wine producer Gusbourne has been presented with its first ever King’s Award for Enterprise.

One of just 252 organisations nationally to be recognised with the award, it was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Lady Colgrain, for international trade.

She visited the company’s headquarters in Appledore this week.

Founded in 2004, when the first vineyards were planted, Gusbourne today employs nearly 100 people and distributes its sparkling and still wines across both the UK and overseas.

Jonathan White, its chief executive, said: “As an English wine producer, expanding our reach through international trade is a key focus and one of our strategic growth drivers.

“We are continuously looking at ways to expand our distribution and awareness overseas to enable us to share the finest English wine with enthusiasts worldwide. Receiving the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the whole Gusbourne team.”

Lady Colgrain added: “In an incredibly competitive industry, your highly experienced team is leading the way in creating impeccable wines year after year from mature vineyards across Kent and Sussex.”

The presentation came just days after logistics specialist Priority Freight was presented with the same honour at its Dover headquarters.

It is the second time it has won the honour.

Its CEO, Neal Williams, said: “The logistics industry has suffered waves of challenges in the past few years, such as Brexit, the crisis in the Red Sea and ongoing global conflicts. To achieve this award, despite the challenging backdrop is a tribute to our global teamwork’s agility.”

South Darenth-based business Brigade Electronics has also been presented with the award in the international trade category.

The awards programme, now in its 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.