Outstanding exporters still have time to enter this year's
Queen's Awards for Enterprise and be in with a chance of winning a
'business knighthood'.
UK Trade & Investment is calling on East Midlands businesses
which can demonstrate commercial success in international trade to
apply before Friday 29 October.
East Midlands International Trade Director, Peter Hogarth,
said:
"The Queen's Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious
corporate awards that any UK business can win. The Queen's Award
logo is a critical 'door opener' in many international markets, as
well as at home. As much as a 60% improvement in sales has been
reported by one previous winner - and many feel it gives them a
definite edge over their business rivals.
"Winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise also gives employees a
huge boost to staff morale and promotes a new pride in their
work.
"I would encourage any organisation who feels they meet the
criteria to put in their application and be in with a chance of
winning one of these 'knighthoods' for business."
Chris Chiles, Director of Tamper Technologies in Ashbourne, won
a Queen's Award for International Trade earlier this year and
attended a reception at Buckingham Palace in July. He said:
"To meet the Queen and Prince Philip was an honour in itself and
to be invited to Buckingham Palace was an experience not to be
missed. Winning the Queen's Award for International Trade is
something which will help our company grow even stronger."
The other two award categories are innovation and sustainable
development. Firms must have been running for at least two years to
be eligible for the innovation or sustainable development
categories, and at least three to enter the international trade
category.
Winners can display the Queen's Awards emblem on their
stationery, advertising, marketing material and packaging for a
period of five years. They will also be offered guidance on how to
use their award to market their firm.
Last year's International Trade award winners in the East
Midlands were Dynex Semiconductor Ltd of Lincoln, Future Health
Technologies Ltd of Nottingham, and Tamper Technologies Ltd of
Ashbourne.