SERICOL, a Broadstairs-based company that has developed a UV curing ink for wide format digital inkjet printers will receive a Queen's Award for Innovation tomorrow.

The Lord Lieutenant of Kent, Allan Willett will present Peter Kenehan, Sericol's Imaging Business Unit's Managing Director with the Queen's Award rose bowl at Sericol's Head Office in Broadstairs. Also invited to witness the presentation are employees, customers, local dignitaries, co-suppliers and journalists from the UK and overseas.

Sericol is receiving the award for developing a range of inks for wide format inkjet printers that cure when exposed to ultra-violet light. The development has enabled digital printing to widen its application base and provides one ink system for all purposes. The ink has created a new market for Sericol and many of its customers and is a commercial success.

Stephen Brice, acting Queen's Awards secretary, said: "This is a great achievement for Sericol, one of three Kent companies to be acknowledged with a Queen's Award this year. Hopefully Sericol's success will encourage other local businesses to apply for the Queen's Awards 2005."

Sericol's chief executive Ed Carhart said: " We are very pleased to receive this award as it confirms our leadership in this comparatively new but fast growing area of ink technology. The introduction of our UV inkjet products is a key element in the development of our business worldwide.

"The printing industry continues to evolve and needs to constantly adopt new technology. We believe our new inkjet products will assist the industry in staying competitive and providing customers with new print solutions. This award also demonstrates the skills and excellence of the Sericol team worldwide."