A HIGH-tech Malvern company has won the prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise for the second year running.

Metrasens, which provides advanced magnetic detection technologies, has been honoured this year in the category of Innovation. Last year's award was in the category of International Trade.

The company, based at Sparrowhawk Close in Malvern Link, makes devices that are used in hospitals to ensure patient safety in magnetic resonance imaging suites, in prisons to detect dangerous contraband and smuggled cell phones, and increasingly in secure government and commercial facilities to provide physical data security.

The company’s most recent innovation is a screening system that can be used at venues such as sports arenas, large-scale events like concerts and at corporate campuses, to detect weapons without disrupting the flow of people.

Company chief executive Dr Simon Goodyear said: "Our unique technology provides capabilities traditional security systems cannot, and is making a tangible difference in more than 40 countries worldwide.

“We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to deploy our core technology, with an intrinsic focus on making people safer through cutting-edge screening methods.

"To be recognized with the Queen’s Award in the category of Innovation is a testament to the unprecedented advancements achieved by our team of physicists and engineers.

"It is also a perfect complement to the recognition we received from the Queen’s Awards last year in the International Trade category for our successful business growth.”

Metrasens has installed its ferromagnetic detection systems widely around the world. Its innovative approach combines advanced magnetic detection technology with product design that is customised for the specific needs of various customer groups and applications.

The company was founded in 2005 by Dr Goodyear, Dr Mark Keene and Matt Wooliscroft, who combined decades of experience in magnetic detection technologies.