A BASINGSTOKE businessman’s firm has received another royal seal of approval.

The Queen’s cousin met Andy Kemshall, co-founder of SecurEnvoy, to open the authentication company’s new Merlin House headquarters in Theale.

The Duke of Kent unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion for the multi-million pound business, which has its roots in Basingstoke.

Andy, who still spends much of his time working from his Kempshott home, and his fellow co-founder Steve Watts, soon found they had their work cut out with the royal visitor.

“He asked some very intelligent, in-depth questions,” explained Andy. “I was extremely surprised with the level of interest and knowledge he showed – he’s very IT savvy.”Andy said he was very proud to have been able to show the Duke around Merlin House, where he met staff and customers.

Last year the company, which boasts clients as diverse as The John Lewis Partnership, T-mobile and Invensys, won a Queen’s Award for Export.

Andy said: “Since we’ve had the Queen’s Award, our business turnover and sales has increased and it has certainly helped us export.”

SecurEnvoy is enjoying its best year on record, growing year on year by 55 per cent. The company has expanded its global reach from 42 countries to 47 through its successful partner programme – most recently in Russia, Czech Republic, USA, Thailand and Hong Kong.