A BLOOD-sampling device to help diabetics, and a global export drive, helped Oxfordshire company Owen Mumford to win two Queen's Awards.

The company, which employs 450 people in Woodstock and Chipping Norton, won an International Trade award for its 156 per cent growth in export earnings in six years.

Founded by Ivan Owen and John Mumford in 1952, it exports more than 80 per cent of its total production.

It also won an Innovation Award for its pioneering blood sampling device for diabetics, called Unistik 3, which incorporates pain-relief technology.

Export manager Martin Kendall said: "We are very proud to have been selected.

"During the 50-plus years we have been trading, Owen Mumford has earned a global reputation for designing, developing, manufacturing and exporting medical products.

Kevin King, product manager for Unistik 3, said: "Although people with diabetes are encouraged to take regular blood samples, they are often reluctant to do so because some devices are painful to use - especially for young children.

"Unistik 3 makes the process simple, hygienic and most importantly, virtually pain-free which was our overriding objective in designing it.

"Since Unistik 3 was introduced in 2006, we have seen a huge increase in demand and feel confident it will encourage patient compliance in monitoring blood sugar levels."

Mr King added: "Innovation is key to Owen Mumford's success. Our innovative manufacturing techniques allow us to produce high volume in the UK despite the increasing, (and often) cheaper foreign manufactured competition.

"We are pleased to be able to keep all aspects of the production process from design to manufacture firmly on British soil."

This is the company's second success, since it received an export award in 1999.

12:28pm Thursday 24th April 2008

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