Luxury self-tanning brand Vita Liberata has won prestigious UK business award The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade for the second year running.

Headquartered in Belfast, the company has experienced 400 percent sales growth in recent years.

In its home market of the UK, the brand retails to more than 1,200 spas and salons and has growing presence in retail chains such as Boots, where the range is sold in over 1000 stores.

Yet internationally, Vita Liberata now retails in 26 countries worldwide in over 1000 stores and in 2014, the brand extended its channels to include QVC within the US.

Alyson Hogg, Founder and CEO of Vita Liberata, commented, “Winning The Queen’s Award for the second year running is an incredible accolade, one no other beauty brand has ever achieved. It’s a recognition of the dynamic, creative, tenacious and incredibly smart team of (mostly) young women that work with us across 24 time zones and as many countries. It is even more remarkable when you consider that operations are run from the Company’s Global Headquarters in the small market town of Ballyclare in Northern Ireland.

“We have been fortunate to partner with some of the strongest retailers in our sector, who recognise both the amazing quality of our products, and the ability of our team to deliver on our joint goals. This Award recognises our team, our product and our determination to bring what we make to a world stage. It is a wonderful accolade. We are very proud indeed!”

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are given to companies or individuals who are outstanding in their field. Previously known as the Queen’s Awards for Industry, the first awards were given in 1966.

Winners are announced on April 21, the Queen’s birthday each year, with each receiving a grant of appointment, a presentational item and an invitation from HM The Queen to a reception at Buckingham Palace on July 14.