West Worcecstershire MP Harriett Baldwin has praised Malvern’s ‘brilliant brains’ after QinetiQ scooped a pair of Queen’s Awards for Industry. Malvern-based QinetiQ has been given two awards – for exporting and innovation – to recognise its hard work, expertise and invention in the defence industry. The company announced the awards this week alongside the news that it is selling off part of its US-based business and is looking to strengthen its exporting work to other markets, including central and eastern Europe. Harriett commented: “QinetiQ is one of the largest employers in the county and has a tremendous track record for innovation. “I am pleased to see that the company has been recognised by the Queen for this work and even more pleased that the company has been noted for its work exploiting its innovation and selling it overseas. “I have actively lobbied to help QinetiQ improve at home and abroad and it is clear to me that the company is heading towards further success as it looks closer to home to deliver new business.” Worcester MP Robin Walker, who saw the company’s award-winning OptaSense technology in action two years ago added, added: “I was very impressed with this product when I saw it at the Farnborough Air Show. “It is another exciting invention in the long line of innovations going all the way back to when QinetiQ was part of the Royal Radar establishment and few people realised that cutting edge technology was being developed in a quiet corner of rural Worcestershire. “I congratulate this major local employer on another high profile award.”