Business Link East Midlands is encouraging local businesses to apply now for the 2011 Queens Awards for enterprise are the UK's most prestigious Awards for business performance.

They recognise and reward outstanding achievement by UK companies.

There are three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

If you can answer a definite 'yes' to these four questions:

• Does your business have a base in the UK?

• Does your business employ at least two full-time workers (or part-time equivalent)?

• Do you believe your business is one of the best?

• Can you demonstrate commercial success? 

Then go to the website and download a nomination form:

www.businesslink.gov.uk/eastmidlands/queensawards

The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP) celebrates and recognises the activities of individuals who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting enterprise skills and attitudes in others in the UK. There will be up to ten Awards each year and a single Lifetime Achievement Award if there is an appropriate candidate.

The winners/recipients in each category of the Queen's Awards are announced on 21 April every year - to coincide with HM The Queen's birthday. If you have been successful, you will be contacted before the announcement is made. When you are contacted, you will also be informed how you can best use The Queen's Awards Emblem to increase your marketing opportunities.

Stephen Smith, Chief Executive of EMB Ltd, the organisation responsible for delivering the regional Business Link service says 'The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious corporate awards that any UK business can win. They are awarded for five years and are an esteemed form of approval that shows how successful your business is. Previous winners have come from a diverse selection of business sectors and have included large and small companies. Recipients of individual awards have been from varied social and professional backgrounds'.

Closing date for 2011 is 31 October 2010