As part of our build up to the Queen's Award Gala Dinner this September, we're talking to some of this year's international trade winners.

In this interview, we talk to Hertfordshire company Aerospares 2000.

What does your business do and where are you at the moment in terms of your exports?

Based in Watford, Hertfordshire, Aerospares 2000 is a specialist stockist and supplier of civil aircraft spare-parts for the latest generation of aircraft.

Exports account for over 82% of our annual revenue so it is clearly a fundamental part of our business. Our customers are airlines, aircraft maintenance bases, other types of end users such as lessors and VVIP operators.

We have over 400 active customers in 68 different countries around the world from Fiji to Finland.

Congratulations on winning a Queen’s Award! How did it feel to win one and how has winning one impacted your business?

It is sincerely humbling to have been honoured by Her Majesty the Queen with such a prestigious award. It is also deeply satisfying to have had our achievements recognised.

The response so far has been incredibly positive from everyone. Employees have had an increase in motivation as they have all played a part in the company receiving the award.

Externally both our customers and suppliers have been most impressed with working closely with a company that has won this accolade.

You’ve signed up for IOE membership. What was the main factor for you in taking up the membership?

Access to professional assistance with exporting.

What’s the next big thing for your business?

I believe we have a proven successful model. The next major step will be to support even more  airlines around the world with their spare-parts requirements.  The company has also secured its next premises which will be 7 times our current size and provide the infrastructure needed for the planned expansion.

You can sign up to the Queen's Award dinner for a fabulous celebration of the Queen's Award winners' achievements at the Royal Horseguards Hotel here.

You can also apply for an award yourself in this year's International Trade Category - more info.