JUDGE’S NAME Simone Roche MBE
I personally really like the way the Queen's Awards act as a springboard for businesses to gain further connections, networks and business
CATEGORY Innovation
AREA OF INTEREST Equality and opportunities for all
Simone Roche is the CEO and Founder of Northern Power Women, a campaigning group which aims to connect and engage with people about gender equality in the North of England. Simone started her career in male-dominated work environments like the Royal Navy, Aintree Racecourse and the Olympic Games. When she became the Director for a campaign supporting women in the hospitality, leisure, travel and tourism industry, Simone was asked to be a champion for the Government Equalities Office - a move which led gender equality to become her passion. Simone was awarded an MBE in the 2018 Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to gender equality in the North of England.
DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARDSWINNER, AS YOU SEE IT The benefits are many. Being a winner means you remain endorsed for five years, which is longer than many other awards. Winners are also able to tap into many contacts and networks to further leverage their business. It also encourages you to remain at the top of the class, striving for more and doing things better. Not least, it serves as a reminder about the talented individuals and businesses that are British. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS I believe the following features make British businesses a global success: • Innovation: British businesses have been pioneers of innovation, new technologies, ways of working and products, • Multiculturalism: British businesses have always embraced the value of diversity within their workforces which in turn helps them operate on a global platform, • Industriousness: this is being hard-working, showing grit and a determination to succeed, as well as dealing with knockbacks and going again. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? I am passionate about being an advocate for the Awards and strive to share the message of them and why it’s important for organisations from all sectors and backgrounds to apply from across our inspiring and innovative regions in the North.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? It was a very easy decision to make. The Queen's Awards carry a level of prestige and elevation for those who win. It provides a fantastic platform for great British industry to launch and thrive upon. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? The Queen's Awards matter to business as they are an outstanding way for many small, medium and large businesses to become recognised within their particular arena. I personally really like the way the Queen's Awards act as a springboard for businesses to gain further connections, networks and business. WHAT DOYOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QA JUDGE? I love seeing the calibre of entrants and feel privileged to be in a position of influence to reward those who really are outstanding. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? The ingenuity, tenacity and brilliance of the entrants. The diversity of sectors and pure ambition of the organisations was also a delight to read. WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? Don’t just think about it - do it! The results speak for themselves. To be recognised by these Awards makes you stronger, more resilient, more commercial and even more competitive to succeed. This is great for any business.
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