A total of 209 Queen’s Awards have been announced this year for business achievement. Overall, 151 companies have won Awards for International Trade, 50 for Innovation and eight for Sustainable Development. The standard of entries in this, the Queen’s Jubilee year, has been the highest ever, with nearly 25 per cent of entrants gaining an Award.
In addition, 11 individuals have received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP) for their inspiring efforts to encourage UK entrepreneurship.
Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk said: “The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the highest accolade a business can receive. The standard of this year’s winners highlights the great work taking place by businesses of all sizes to help boost the growth of the UK economy. I hope that it will inspire more entrepreneurs to start or grow their business as we look to make 2012 the year of enterprise.
“It is a fantastic achievement for all of the businesses that have received an award and I would like to congratulate them on making such a valuable contribution across all business sectors.”
Winning firms cover a vast range of business sectors. These include architecture and design, building and construction, motoring and transport, electronics and technology, manufacturing and engineering, law and finance, tourism and leisure, medical and pharmaceuticals, food and drink, oil and gas, media and marketing, metals, plastics and packaging, safety and surveillance, printing, recycling, logistics, utilities and more.
They range from enterprising small businesses with as few as three employees to household names such as Nissan, B&Q plc and Marks and Spencer Group plc. There are four multiple award winners this year in the International Trade and Innovation categories: Agento Ltd trading as Revector; ICC Solutions; Racelogic and Ubisense Group plc. Sun Mark Ltd have become the first ever company to win an Award in four consecutive years.
Winners of The Queen’s Awards can expect a company visit by a Royal representative during the year to present a crystal bowl and an invitation to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace. They can also use The Queen’s Award Emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of their quality and success.
In a recent survey of the Queen’s Awards winners:
- 83 per cent of winners said it brought prestige to their business
- 48 per cent of winners said it gave them an edge overseas
- 79 per cent of winners reported improved staff morale
- 63 per cent of winners gained extra press coverage
The awards are made annually by HM The Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.
