Smart card firm in Portsmouth gets royal honour for export trade

Universal Smart Cards (USC), which is based in Portsmouth, was among the 201 UK companies recognised by Her Majesty The Queen this week in her annual honours to mark her 93rd birthday

The firm, set up in 2001 by directors Michael Smith and Chris Allen, was given a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

The company was originally founded in Hertfordshire, and now has its sales and marketing teams in Lancashire and its technical and fulfilment Centre in Nevil Shute Road, Portsmouth.

USC has shipped more than 136 million smart products worldwide.

It offers a wide array of smart cards, card readers and accessories, alongside several smart solutions such as location and condition monitoring services.

For many years USC has sold to customers throughout Europe and the Middle East, and it recently secured important contracts in South America and Australia.

It has also expanded into USA, which has seen it open an office in San Diego, California and increase its international trade tenfold. Overseas sales now account for 11 per cent of its total business.

Sales and marketing director, Paul May, said: ‘We are all absolutely delighted to have received this award for all the hard work and commitment that the team have put into developing our international trade strategy and relationships with customers.

‘I'd like to register my thanks to every member of the team. It's great to see the export strategy is bearing fruit.

‘I have heard that previous winners say that the Queen's Award helps how business even further.

‘I look forward to attending Buckingham Palace later this year and meeting the other winners.’

The awards, now in its 53rd year, are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, with companies recognised for their contribution in four categories – international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.

Winners are invited to a Royal reception, presented the award by one of The Queen’s representatives, able to fly The Queen’s Award flag at the main office, and use the emblem on marketing materials for five years.