A Bingley-based international publishing company got the royal seal of approval during a visit by the Duke of Kent.

The Queen’s cousin visited Emerald Publishing, in Wagon Lane, Bingley, during a tour of the region yesterday.

He visited the firm in recognition of its global achievements and strong links in the community.

He spoke to members of the firm’s 250-strong team about how the company had established an international office network and built a client base that includes the world’s top business schools, leading corporations, governments and public bodies.

The firm was started in 1967 by academics at the University of Bradford and has since grown to become the publisher of the world’s widest range of management and library information services.

The Duke praised Emerald’s achievements as he unveiled a plaque to mark his visit.

He said: “I congratulate you all on the great success that Emerald is having and will continue to have.”

Emerald’s head of business development Richard Hollings-worth said it had been an honour to meet the Duke.

“He was very pleasant and genuinely very interested in what we do as well, with an interesting collection of questions,” he said.

Executive chairman Martin Fojt said the company supported scholarly research and higher education on every continent.

“A Royal visit is testimony to this ethos, the company’s overall success and out commitment to our Yorkshire roots,” he said. “We are delighted that the Duke of Kent chose to come and visit us on one of his few visits to the region.”

The Duke also presented a Queen’s Award for Enterprise to bosses at ATB Morley, in Pudsey, for its achievements in international trade. The company, which makes motors for coal mining, has doubled overseas revenue to £8m per year.