RECOGNISING EXCELLENCE
Queen’s Awards for Enterprise offers businesses chance for royal approval
The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is a prestigious business award designed to recognise and promote business excellence within the United Kingdom. It encourages growth within successful businesses, as well as throughout the UK; 76% of previous winners report that the Award has brought added commercial value to their business. Applications are open to all UK based self-contained
businesses and non-profit organisation, who should be able to demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility. The business must operate with two or more full-time employees, and have been trading for more than two or three years (depending on the award), achieving continual commercial success over this period. Businesses of all sizes are encouraged to apply; 86% of winners in 2017 are SMEs. There are many palpable benefits to winning such a
respected award, including global recognition of business excellence, increased commercial value and improved opportunities to break into new markets. Winners are permitted to use the QAE emblem in any business advertising. Achieving recognition at this level can provide an edge
over competitors, often making the difference when attracting new customers or tipping the balance to win a contract. It will also open up great promotional opportunities on a local, national and international stage, broadening the exposure of winners to a much wider audience. Awards fall under four categories; International Trade,
Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. Each category has a set of criteria that applicants must satisfy, the breakdown of which can be found at
www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for- enterprise/eligibility Businesses are entitled to nominate themselves for more than one award, given that they meet each criterion. Winners are invited to a private reception hosted by HM The Queen at Buckingham Palace. Additionally, a presentation takes place at your premises by the Royal representative in your area, Lord- Lieutenant. This provides an excellent opportunity to promote your business and to celebrate the accolade with members of staff. Such appraisal has been proven to boost staff moral and 73% of previous winners reported an increase in staff engagement. When applying, businesses are advised to enclose supporting evidence including a business plan. You should describe your business strategy; what you set out to do and how you achieved it.
22 Chamber Profile July/August 2017 In addition you should explain clear association between
‘Winners are permitted to use the QAE emblem in any business advertising’
your strategies and how they have led to commercial success and why you felt it was an appropriate business move. Although it is important to detail ‘what’, ensure that your application also captures ‘how’ and ‘why’. Avoid the use of technical jargon, as it may lead to your application being misunderstood. Instead, explain concepts in simple terms that can be understood by anybody, giving your application the best possible chance of being successful. The application process is done online and is free and straight-forward, allowing
you to save your application and return and edit it at a later date. It is to be
expected that such a prestigious award is seeking the highest quality applications; however it is well worth the effort in order to
reap the benefits that come as a result of the Queen’s
Award for Enterprise. Applications are open now; visit
www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise for more information on the criteria and application process. The closing date is 2 September.
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