A furniture company which has supplied a string of glamourous venues across the world over the past 50 years has been given the royal seal of approval.

Burgess Furniture, in Hanworth Trading Estate, Feltham, can boast Savoy and Hilton hotels, along with the Monte Carlo Sporting Club and the World Trade Centre in Dubai among its customers.

It has been presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise after defying the economic crisis and achieving a huge boost in international trade.

The family company was founded in 1959 by Gerald Burgess, an international rally driver, who struck deals selling his furniture as he travelled the world.

His son Jeremy Burgess, the current managing director, said: “He was in Athens when he literally knocked on the door and secured the order for the Athens Hilton.

“It snowballed through the international hotel chains.”

Burgess Furniture now employs 120 staff, with its head office and manufacturing depot in Feltham.

It exports to more than 50 countries each year and has offices in Germany, Dubai and the US.

Jeremy Burgess added: “I am delighted and very honoured to receive the Queen’s award, particularly in such a special year for the company.

“We have supplied some of the most prestigious venues around the globe during the last 50 years and we take great pride in producing a top quality product, recognised throughout the world.

“Times are tough currently, but winning this award will reinforce our commitment to seek out new opportunities.

“It will provide that bit of extra credibility so necessary to break into the new markets.

“We will continue to invest and develop our people and products, hopefully for the next 50 years.”