JUDGE’S NAME William Fletcher
The Queen’s Awards show businesses that they are trusted, valued and recognised for work which goes above and beyond simply profitably delivering a service or product
CATEGORY Promoting Opportunity
AREA OF INTEREST Corporate social responsibility
An experienced and diverse business leader, William has worked across the recycling, finance and food retail sectors for PLCs, family-owned and private equity-run businesses in the UK and internationally. In his most recent post, as Managing Director then Chief Executive of Recycling Lives Ltd - a national waste management business supporting charitable programmes - he grew the business nationally and increased sales ten- fold without compromising on its strong social values. Under his leadership, the company earned three Queen’s Awards, for International Trade, Promoting Opportunity and Sustainable Development, adding to an earlier win for Sustainable Development.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? Don’t underestimate the application process – be sure to give it the respect it deserves and you’ll reap the benefits. It’s a thorough process which offers an opportunity to take a step back from your business and view it afresh. Don’t forget to really get in to the how and why of your business, as well as simply what you do and what's delivered – for example, problem-solving for your customers is as vital as profit growth for your shareholders. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARDSWINNER, AS YOU SEE IT I believe a Queen’s Award is both a quality mark signalling your expertise and credibility externally and a cause for celebration - sharing your achievement with your team, without whom your achievements and impact would not be possible. For the Promoting Opportunity category in particular, it’s recognition both individually and to wider society of how businesses can, and do, significantly support communities beyond just their stakeholders. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS Along with the quality of our services, products and teams, I think we’re known for integrity in our dealings, adaptability in problem-solving and evolving our work. This is certainly what I’ve seen amongst Queen’s Award winners, who are flying the flag for British business globally.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? Having experienced first-hand the prestige and business benefits that come from being a Queen’s Award holder, I was keen to give my time to the judging process again, to welcome a new cohort of inspirational businesses. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? I maintain my view that the Queen’s Awards show businesses that they are trusted, valued and recognised for work which goes above and beyond simply profitably delivering a service or product. By recognising businesses of all sizes across all sectors, the Awards also allow smaller businesses to gain the same respect as - and compete on a level playing field with - larger, more established organisations. WHAT DOYOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QA JUDGE? I enjoyed having the opportunity to learn about and take lessons from other organisations: their motivations, solutions, ambitions and challenges. This felt particularly poignant in a period that has been challenging for so many businesses. Seeing how people have adapted to survive and thrive was inspiring. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? I was impressed by how businesses and social enterprises have adapted to the challenges created by the pandemic and lockdowns, particularly how a number moved quickly to offer additional support to their communities at a time of uncertainty and growing need.
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