April 21 was the Queen’s official birthday. This is the day when the Awards for Enterprise for the current year were announced and, importantly, entries open for the following year. For any business, receiving this award is an incredible accolade. It is recognition for your achievements that wins admiration, respect and creates national and international publicity opportunities that last for five years.
In 2017 there were 176 awards made from over 500 applications. There can be up to 700 applications in a busy year. The process isn’t easy. Completing the application submission may take 36-48 hours, more time will be required for the assessment, due diligence and judging. But the awards are not rationed – no winners, second and third places – if you pass the assessment and meet with the approval of the judges you will achieve the award.
The awards were first known as the Queen’s Awards for Industry, the focus then moved to export achievement, but for the last several years they are a celebration of enterprise. There are four categories in which you can qualify:
- Innovation
- Sustainable development
- International trade
- Promoting opportunity through social mobility
Those awarded receive a scroll, an engraved bowl and are licensed to fly the Queens Award for Enterprise flag and use the logo in publicity materials for five years. Award presentation usually takes place at your premises over the summer months by the Lord Lieutenant for the county, who is the local representative for the Queen. It’s an opportunity to put up the marquee, bring in the caterers, lay on some entertainment, give a big thank you to your team and bring in customers and suppliers to join the celebration. You will also have an invitation to meet the Queen at a reception at Buckingham Palace.
Applications are open now and stay open until September. Remember that the application process is necessarily very detailed – so now is the time to get the skates on. Don’t forget to call Ainsworth Maguire if you want help with the follow through to maximise publicity.
More information: www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise
If you require public relations and content creation services contact us now.