CHAMBER NEWS So what of the benefits? Not only are they immediate, they are also
long-lasting and eminently tangible; as Dr Kotecha explains. “After winning a Queen’s Award we held a reception in Dubai for our
Middle East market and having that award with us - along with having the British flag, the British Embassy and the Ambassador there - gave us exceptional credibility and helped us promote our model as part of the ‘Brand UK’ market characterised by high quality; it’s made an incredible difference to our business. “More generally, a survey was done of past winners and some of the data
I have seen shows that 79% percent said the award was a boost to staff morale, 69% said it increased recognition of their business in the UK - and at Morningside it also made a substantial difference to us in international markets – while 46% of all winners said it resulted in additional profile for their business.” So what would the advice be to any business looking into entering the
Queen’s Awards? “The overriding advice I would give to a business is to think carefully
Dr Nik Kotecha, Chief Executive of Morningside Pharmaceuticals
“The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise really set quality at its high benchmark, size is not the overriding criteria. Last year I gave out two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in Leicestershire. One was to an organisation that was part of a $£1.5bn research group and the other employed six people – it really is the quality that is the driver and I think that represents a tremendous opportunity for businesses here in the East Midlands. “Over the past two years in the East Midlands we have won between
seven and eight and I don’t think that number fully reflects the quality of businesses we have here. “I think a key component to improving these statistics is ensuring
businesses are aware of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and helping them understand that there are four categories to apply in and to encourage them to submit quality applications so they stand the best chance of success.”
about which criteria they wish to apply for a Queen’s Awards under,” suggests Mr Kapur. “Also, it’s important that a business makes sure they put sufficient
resource behind the application and to make sure as many staff are involved as possible in order to formulate what is best about their specific business and how it could be held up as an example to everybody else,”. “It does take a bit of time and it requires energy and effort when it
comes to the application form but the rewards far outweigh the effort,” adds Dr Kotecha. “If you have a strong business – and I know we have some incredible
businesses here in the East Midlands – we need to shout about that and talk about what we are doing. “Work through the application process, understand what it takes to
submit a quality application and take advantage of the support out there from the likes of the Chamber, which is rightly promoting such a prestigious awards programme.”
For more information on the Queen’s Awards and the application process, visit
bit.ly/EMC_QueensAwards
To view the interviews with Mr Mike Kapur and Dr Nik Kotecha, visit
www.emc-dnl.co.uk/news
business network September 2019 29
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