The Queen's Awards Magazine 2022

Promoting Opportunity (Through Social Mobility)

Innovation

Sustainable Development

International Trade

Award Holders 2018-2021

We tender the loyal greetings of all Queen’s Awards winners to Her Majesty The Queen

04 Message to the Queen 06 The Queen’s Jubilee Celebrations 08 Letters of acknowledgement for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 11 About the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 12 A breakdown of Queen’s Awards winners 13 The benefits of winning an award 14 70 Facts about the awards 16 The Queen’s Awards Reception 18 Interview with the Lord- Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire 21 Meet the judges behind the awards 37 International Trade category award winners 87 Innovation category award winners 115 Promoting Opportunity (Through Social Mobility) category award winners 123 Sustainable Development category award winners 133 Award holders 2018-2021 156 Index of contributors

It is our pleasure to bring you this very special publication, which showcases the winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022

We are delighted to extend our warm congratulations to every company that has received the honour of winning a 2022 Queen’s Award in this, Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year. You have demonstrated excellence in the fields of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting social mobility – on a global stage – and we salute your incredible achievements.

As we join our monarch in marking her historic reign, it is especially poignant to celebrate Britain’s best companies; those businesses, large and small, that lead the world in a number of fields.

The past two years have created unprecedented challenges, but despite this, this year’s Queen’s Awards victors have demonstrated excellence. The Awards continue to constitute the highest honour to be bestowed on a UK company, and are more relevant now than ever before. The world is fast-changing, and businesses of today need to be ever more resourceful in a bid to face the challenges of a post-pandemic environment. Any business carrying the Queen’s Awards logo receives a warm welcome internationally, and the relevance of the Awards has never been clearer. It has been an exceptional year for so many of the companies who entered and we look forward to watching their progress over the coming months and years. Of course, it was the late Duke of Edinburgh who helped launch the Awards in the mid-1960s, and we at The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Magazine, as well as the hundreds of winners who’ve experienced the honour of receiving an award since then, owe him a great debt of gratitude. We pay homage to the Awards’ history in our special feature, marking 70 facts about the Queen’s Awards in celebration of Her Majesty’s 70-year reign. We also continue the royal theme with a special Message to The Queen, and feature interviews with members of the Awards’ judging panel to share their insight, wisdom and enthusiasm.

We live in remarkable times and we wish all of the winners continued success.

Richard Stoppard Chief Executive Officer Nexus Business Media Limited

Registered in England Registered Number 01993193. Registered Office: 208 Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BN Printing: The Magazine Printing Company, Broxbourne Business Centre, Pindar Road, Hoddesdon,

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Magazine would like to thank The Queen’s Awards Office and all of the 2022 Award winners, who have kindly given their assistance in the preparation of this magazine.

All rights reserved. No part of this document may be photocopied, recorded or otherwise stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any electronic means without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Although every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents of the book, Nexus Media Events bears no responsibility for any errors or consequences thereof, or for damage or loss of material submitted to the magazine. The publishers do not necessarily endorse or support facts and opinions expressed within this magazine, individual editorials and images having been supplied direct by The Queen’s Award winners who have chosen to be included in the publication.

ISSN 2041 9783 2022 © Nexus Media Events

Hertfordshire, EN11 0FJ Design: Antonio Manuel Front Cover image: Alamy Stock Photo

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Magazine® is published annually by Nexus Media Events Ltd 208 Canalot Studios, 222 Kensal Road, London, W10 5BN

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

Message to The Queen

Your Majesty,

Speaking in 1952, Prime Minister Clement Attlee, posited: "Let us hope we are witnessing the beginning of a new Elizabethan age no less renowned than the first." From the very earliest days of your reign, it was evident that, while you effortlessly embodied the timeless elements of Royal tradition and duty, you would be our first truly modern monarch. As the first British monarch to both arrive in your capital by aeroplane and have your Coronation screened live on television, the indications were clear that Innovation would be one of the chief characteristics of this new era. And with Britain still, as ever, at the forefront of commerce, exploration and discovery within the world’s commercial, cultural and political

arenas, it is plain to see that your reign thus far has, if anything, been even more renowned than that of your illustrious regnal predecessor. Opportunity has been another key feature of your 70-year reign. More than ever before, the people of Britain enjoy opportunities today, in education, business, leisure and elsewhere, which our forebears could never have imagined. You yourself have exercised great influence within this arena, directly aiding the establishment of many schemes and awards that Promote Opportunity right across the realm. Indeed, it is no overstatement to suggest the number of individuals, groups and organisations that have benefitted from

How do we sum up the deep well of admiration and respect that we, your most loyal subjects, feel on this most auspicious of milestones? How can we find words that will adequately convey the awe and pride we all share in celebrating your Platinum Jubilee? Well, the short answer is, alas, that we cannot. Even Shakespeare would find it impossible to distil the emotive response we have for such a universally beloved figurehead into mere words.

But still we will try, and we will do our best; for what is Enterprise without endeavour?

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Photo Credits: Alamy Stock Photo

endeavours like the Queen’s Awards, the Prince’s Trust, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and Queen Elizabeth Prize for Engineering, to name but a few, are to be counted in their millions. We salute you for your unwavering commitment to, and continued nurturing of, the Commonwealth. For the entirety of your glorious reign, you have done more to promote and protect our much-loved extended family of nations than any other person, office or organisation. As well as working tirelessly to represent British interests all around the globe, you have consistently reminded the world, through your own deeds and conduct, what

British values are and why they remain so well respected. You are, quite simply, the greatest blessing any country could ever hope to call upon in the realm of International Trade. Of course, it is fair to say that the geopolitical landscape of the world, and of Europe in particular, has changed markedly in recent times. It is also fair to suggest that the years ahead will be characterised by much uncertainty. And yet, we in this realm do not fear this precariousness in the way some nations may. Why? Because we look to you, our beloved monarch whose very presence gives us the stability and resilience we as individuals may sometimes lack within ourselves. And

with your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren on hand to help steer Global Britain through these potentially choppy waters, we believe our proud nation is blessed with the kind of Sustainable Development that other countries can only look upon with the most profound envy. Yes, to live under your reign has most assuredly been a blessing. We will celebrate this Platinum Jubilee with pride, with joy and with the very deepest affection. You are, as Winston Churchill once observed, “the heir to all our traditions and glories" . Long may it continue.

God Save The Queen!

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

The Queen’s Platinum

The world’s eyes were on London earlier this year as the sun shone and Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations got underway, with thousands lining The Mall to watch Trooping the Colour on Thursday 2nd June, followed by a flypast from 70 RAF aircraft in the skies above Buckingham Palace. A service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral on the Friday was followed by a special Platinum Party at the Palace on Saturday 4th June, with a Jubilee pageant through the streets of the capital wrapping things up on the Sunday. It was four days of pomp, pageantry and Platinum-hued celebrations that united the entire nation and brought cheer to people across the globe.

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Jubilee 2022

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

The first Queen’s Awards for Enterprise were made in 1966, and since then there have been over 6,000 winners in all. The Awards have evolved over the years, but always to reflect and recognise the contribution businesses make to our economy and society. Those contributions are needed and appreciated now more than ever. A lot has happened in the 56 years since the first Awards, but the last two years or so have given us some of the greatest ever challenges: a global pandemic with the sorrow of loss of life, and then a war in Europe, which has caused untold suffering for the people of Ukraine.

There is no trade-off between economic well-being and human suffering and pain. Businesses are at the heart of supporting people, and people are the beating heart of businesses.

The period ahead will contain severe challenges, aside from the direct effects of Covid and War. We need to ensure that economies stay open; that they are not closed in ways that are damaging and run counter to the spirit of the Queen’s Awards. Safe openness is an important principle and practice, and achieving it will require hard work and inspiration.

Despite the times, I remain optimistic, and that optimism is reinforced by knowing the quality and determination of the winners of the Queen’s Awards.

Well done.

Andrew Bailey Governor of the Bank of England

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I would like to congratulate all the winners of this year’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The past year has again presented many challenges for business, forcing firms to reassess their business models and respond quickly with bold, innovative decisions. It is therefore so inspiring to see the inspiring results of the business community in the face of these multiple headwinds. The hard work and perseverance of British enterprises are crucial for the country’s continued economic recovery. As set out in our Royal Charter, the Institute of Directors seeks to encourage a climate favourable to entrepreneurship. We can see in this year’s winners the entrepreneurial thinking that we so badly need. These significant endeavours deserve recognition and I am delighted to be supporting these well-earned awards.

I commend all the winners of this year’s Awards and look forward to their continued success in the years ahead.

Patrick Macdonald Chair, Institute of Directors

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

PRESENTATIONS & CELEBRATIONS

SLE Martin Pearcy, VP Commercial Operations accepting the Queen’s Award in recognition of SLE’s work with leading neonatal research groups developing an infant ventilator with a closed-loop Auto-O2 software algorithm called OxyGenie® which is able to control the amount of oxygen in a baby's blood within a narrowly doctor prescribed range.

OLPRO Outdoor brand, OLPRO, celebrate their Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade 2021

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The Queen’s Awards FOR ENTERPRISE

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are considered the UK’s most prestigious business awards, designed to acknowledge and encourage outstanding achievements demonstrated by UK businesses. Instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965 and first awarded in 1966, their format has evolved to now encompass four categories: International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility). In the past, individuals have been recognised within the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise but, as of 2017, this individual award was rested. Her Majesty The Queen makes the awards on the advice of the Prime Minister, who is assisted by an advisory committee including representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions. The award winners are announced annually on April 21, The Queen’s birthday. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter and you may apply for more than one award. Organisations of any size operating regularly as a business unit in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man and which meet the criteria may enter. The awards are made to businesses as a whole rather than to individuals. Applicants that are unsuccessful receive feedback about their strengths and are offered guidance about how to improve their entry for future. Presentation ceremonies are conducted at each winner’s premises, usually by the Lord-Lieutenant of the County, who is the designated representative of Her Majesty The Queen. The awards consist of a Grant of Appointment and a

commemorative crystal bowl. Successful organisations may fly the Queen’s Award flag at their principal premises and are entitled to use the emblem on marketing materials – such as on packaging, advertisements, stationery and website. This information was correct at the time of going to press. For the latest information visit www.gov.uk/queens-awards- for-enterprise THE QUEEN’S AWARDS FOR ENTERPRISE: ELIGIBILITY To apply for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise your organisation must meet the following minimum criteria: Be based in the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man); File its Company Tax Returns with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); Be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services and is under its own management; Have at least two full-time UK employees or part-time equivalents; and Demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility. Your organisation may be business or non-profit. Each award has additional entry criteria, which can be found at the start of each relevant section in this magazine as well as on the website https://www.gov. uk/queensawards-for-enterprise/eligibility

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Entries for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise come from all corners of the UK including the outlying islands. The companies’ activities, however, are international with many businesses exporting and negotiating with countless countries around the world. Queen’s Awards winners 2022: a breakdown

STATISTICS

2022 Awards by category (Note: seven companies received double awards) The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 include: 1 41 awards for International Trade 51 awards for Innovation 3 1 awards for Sustainable Development 9 awards for Promoting Opportunity Seven businesses were double award winners: Biocomposites (UK) Ltd, trading as Biocomposites – winners of International Trade and Innovation Calnex Solutions plc – winners of International Trade and Innovation Element 1 Engineering Ltd – winners of International Trade and Innovation Imagesound Limited – winners of International Trade and Innovation N2M Ltd (Rockit) – winners of International Trade and Innovation Peak NDT Limited – winners of International Trade and Innovation World of Books Group – winners of International Trade and Sustainable Development

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 Total number of award winners across the UK:

2 32

90 % of 2022 winners are SMEs

SCOTLAND Winners 1 4

The graphic shows the distribution of these 2022 Award winners across the United Kingdom.

NORTHERN IRELAND Winners 3

NORTH EAST Winners 10

NORTH WEST Winners 20

YORKSHIRE & THE HUMBER Winners 2 2

WEST MIDLANDS Winners 25

EAST Winners 2 3

WALES Winners 5

EAST MIDLANDS Winners 2 2

SOUTH EAST Winners 30

LONDON Winners 37

SOUTH WEST Winners 21

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The benefits of winning... A QUEEN’S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE

Why the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise really matter What motivates a company to enter the Queen’s Awards? The answers to this question are many and varied, but one thing is certain: companies have everything to gain by entering, and nothing to lose. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are widely considered the highest accolade to be bestowed upon a UK business, celebrating the British companies that have showed outstanding achievement in trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Put simply, winning an award puts British companies on a pedestal; it celebrates their achievements, in a multitude of sectors, and showcases their innovations, ideas and achievements to a global audience. The Queen’s Awards are hugely respected, both at home and overseas, and winning has been proven to give companies a winning edge over their competitors, in addition to offering the ideal introduction to new customers. Becoming an elite Queen’s Awards winner also provides unlimited marketing potential across digital and print platforms, both at local and national level. But it’s not all about winning. Simply entering and becoming a part of the Queen’s Awards journey is hugely valuable. If success doesn’t happen on the first attempt, lessons will have been learned during the application process, new targets set and additional focus given to how the company can come back even bigger and better the following year, on a quest to become a worthy future winner – and one

of the best British companies in its field. Over the past 55 years, since the awards’ launch in 1965, entrants have come from all around the UK, from city-based centres of commerce to remote locations in Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. The majority of winning companies have fewer than 250 employees, but larger companies have also clinched this most prestigious of accolades.

Entering the Queen’s Awards:

In order to enter, your company must have at least two full-time employees. There is a straightforward online entry process. How long this takes to complete will understandably vary according to the type of company and its products, and how readily available the required data is. Your chances of success – and the accolades associated with this – are high. On average, a quarter of those entering succeed in gaining a Queen’s Award. Of course, any award is only as good as the employees who have worked hard to achieve it, and this recognition is the ultimate morale booster. Each winning company receives a formal presentation by The Queen’s representative (often the county’s Lord-Lieutenant) at the company’s premises or another suitable location; some examples of these presentations can be seen in later pages of this publication.

Be celebrated in print and online

prestigious mailing list of recipients, both in the UK and internationally. In a recent survey of winners, the majority agreed that the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise Magazine, and its website, were rated either ‘Good’ or ‘Excellent’. With your help, the dedicated print and online team want to improve on this even further, so please email your feedback to admin@queensawardsmagazine.com

In an exclusive promotional opportunity, available only to Queen’s Awards winners, companies are offered the chance to appear in the publication you are reading now, the notable Queen’s Awards For Enterprise Magazine, and its accompanying, hugely popular website. This high quality publication is independently published, acting as a who’s who of the business world’s greatest innovators. It is distributed to a

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

70 Facts About the Queen’s

Around 200 Queen’s Award accolades are given out by The Queen each year. Winners of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are announced each year on April 21st, the Queen’s birthday.

The Queen issues the awards on the advice of the Prime Minister, assisted by an advisory committee made up of representatives of government, industry, commerce and trade unions. In 2001, the ‘Environmental Achievement’ category was changed to ‘Sustainable Development’. Every winning company is presented with a Grant of Appointment scroll and a commemorative crystal

The Queen's Awards Magazine is circulated worldwide.

Companies applying for the ‘International Trade’ category must have made a minimum of £100,000 in overseas sales in the first year of their entry. Ninety per cent of the 2022 Queen’s Awards winners were SMEs. All of the year’s winners feature in a special Gazette supplement. In 2021, the deadline for applications was extended due to Coronavirus.

All winners are traditionally invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

The scheme’s original title was The Queen's Award to Industry.

The Queen’s Awards scheme was instituted by Royal Warrant in 1965 with the first Awards made in 1966. Also launched in 1966, The Queen’s Awards Magazine - this very publication - has enabled thousands of Award winners to help consolidate market presence, strengthen their competitive position and generate new business by featuring editorial entries within its pages. The scheme became known as the Queen's Awards for Export and Technology In 1975. The scheme was again renamed The Queen's Awards for Enterprise in 1999. In 2017, ‘Promoting Opportunity’ (through social mobility) was added to ‘International Trade’, ‘Innovation’ and ‘Sustainable Development’, establishing the modern format we know today. Between 2005 and 2017, individuals were recognised with the Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. More than 7,000

bowl by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, The Queen’s personal representative.

The Queen’s Awards are the UK's most prestigious business awards.

Applicants do not need to be an exporter in order to apply for the Innovation, Promoting Opportunity and Sustainable Development categories. The rigorous entry process ensures a success rate of around 20% each year. The Queen's Awards Magazine is circulated to the top FTSE companies each year. All applications are managed by the Queen’s Awards Office at the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Unsuccessful applicants receive feedback on the strengths of their application as well as guidance on how to improve any future entries. The Queen’s Award is sometimes referred to as ‘the mother of all awards’. Applications are made up of four chief components: the main entry form, the financial form, the declaration of corporate responsibility (CSR), and the signed endorsement from accountants. To win an Award for Sustainable Development, a company must be able to show evidence that it is conducting an activity that “ensures a better quality of life for everyone, now and for generations to come”.

The Queen's Awards Magazine is a showcase for winners to present their success stories to business people worldwide. Non-profit organisations are welcome to apply for an Award.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter.

Companies can (and often do) apply for more than one Award.

James Dyson’s company won the Queen's Award for Enterprise in International Trade in 2006. 115 companies received an accolade in the Award’s inaugural year (1966). Winners get to fly the Queen’s Awards flag and use the logo in all their marketing materials. Airbus and Jaguar Land Rover are two of the most well-known companies to win an Award. UK subsidiaries of foreign owned companies can apply as long as they meet the eligibility criteria. Five companies won the new Promoting Opportunity Award when it was first introduced in 2019.

companies have won a Queen’s Award Since the Award’s inception in 1966.

A total of 12 companies won Environmental Achievement Awards when the category made its bow in 1993.

Awards are valid for five years.

Companies based in the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are eligible to apply.

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Awards

In recent years, an entire ‘entry consulting’ industry has emerged offering services that help organisations enter Queen’s Award applications. In 2021, the Queen’s Award winners were not announced on the Queen's birthday. The announcement was delayed following the sad passing of Prince Philip, the Duke of Edinburgh. Prince Philip played an enthusiastic

In 2015 Mark Carney, then Governor of the Bank of England, described the Queen’s Awards as: “testament to the renewed entrepreneurial spirit taking shape in the United Kingdom”. In order to be considered for an Award a company must have at least two full-time UK employees (or part-time equivalents), file its company tax returns with HMRC and be able to demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility. It must also be a self- contained enterprise that markets its own products or services under its own management. Prince Charles once said of the scheme: “It is particularly encouraging that so many companies, having won a Queen’s Award and experienced the benefits, decide to reapply.”

JCB holds the record for most Queen’s Awards wins. The Construction equipment manufacturer’s tally currently stands at a whopping 30 awards.

role in The Queen's Awards for Export & Technology from its beginnings in 1965.

Titans of their day, some of the first Awards winners in 1966, such as Imperial Chemical Industries, General Electric Company and Distillers, sadly, no longer exist. Happily, a number of initial winners like Rolls-Royce, Vauxhall Motors and De La Rue are still around in various guises and forms. Speaking of the inaugural Queen’s Awards in 1965, Prime Minister Harold Wilson stated: “I hope that the award will encourage industry in its efforts to achieve the improvements in exports and the technological advance on which our national future so much depends.” policymakers at the very highest level of commerce, industry and government, both within the UK and overseas. In 2018 there was a specific focus on International Trade, 156 companies won an Award in this category. The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal and the Countess of Wessex were among the Royal dignitaries who welcomed last year’s Queen’s Award’s Winners to a celebratory reception at Windsor Castle. The application process for the 2023 Queen’s Awards is open from May to September 2022. The Queen’s Awards Magazine is distributed to decision and

Martin Port, CEO of BigChange, memorably described winning an award as “Like a knighthood for your business”. In 2021, 44 of the 205 winners boasted fewer than ten employees. Global recognition, increased turnover, growth in international trade and improved staff morale are some of the benefits companies often cite as benefits of winning a Queen’s Award. The Queen's Awards Magazine is distributed to Consulates and Embassies all around the world. According to research carried out by the University of Strathclyde, 73% of winners in the International Trade category directly attributed increased sales to winning a Queen’s Award. The Queen's Awards Magazine is circulated to all Lord Lieutenants in the UK, Her Majesty's representatives in each county. Dan Callaghan, a failed contestant on BBC1’s The Apprentice, won a Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2021 after his perfumes business boomed. 92% of companies that won a Queen’s Award in 2021 were SMEs (small/ medium-sized enterprises).

All Award applications must be made online.

Shortlisted applicants are informed and asked to provide verified commercial figures in October LittlePod, esteemed providers of high- quality sustainable extracts and 2018 Queen’s Award winners, have been chosen to provide key ingredients for a prestigious Platinum Jubilee cake making competition by the British Embassy in Tokyo. International Trade is always the category with the most winners each year.

69 companies won an International Trade Award in 1969.

72 companies won an International Trade Award in 1972! 2016 currently holds the record for being the Awards most fruitful year, with a total of 243 gongs handed out across three categories.

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

The Queen’s Awards

As 2021 drew to a close, winners of the Queen’s Awards in both 2020 and 2021 were celebrated at a very regal occasion. Glorious Windsor Castle was the backdrop for the eagerly anticipated Queen’s Awards Reception, which celebrated two years’ worth of accolades after the pandemic halted plans for 2020’s event. The glittering occasion – on November 10, 2021 – was attended by members of the royal family, in the presence of The Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Countess of Wessex, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent and Princess Alexandra.

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Reception

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

Interview with the Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridg

The Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence OBE QPM, is Her Majesty The Queen’s representative in the County. She leads the Lieutenancy, which helps foster good relations and cooperation between all kinds of organisations in every part of the County. The 37th Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Julie will hold the honour of being the Sovereign’s representative in the County until 2030. We caught up with Julie and asked her to share some thoughts about her role, the Awards and the Jubilee… First of all, can you give us an overview of what the Lord Lieutenant’s role is within The Queen’s Award scheme exactly? As Lord Lieutenant I promote the QAE, encourage companies to apply, support as appropriate, and present the Award to successful companies. I also ensure they all understand how special they are and, if asked, will discuss their feedback with unsuccessful companies and encourage them to try again. I am fully involved in the process from start to finish. The Queen’s Award has been around since 1966. Do you remember when you personally first became aware of the scheme? I remember as a member of the public hearing about the Queen's Award for Industry in the 1970s/80s but, as I was working in the Public Sector, it wasn’t an award I took little more than a passing interest in. I personally became aware of the QAE when I became Lord Lieutenant in 2017. The Awards themselves have changed and evolved over the years. Do you think there is anything that remains integral to them, some common values perhaps? The Awards have always sought to encourage and reward the very best in British business and consequently seal our position in the eyes of others as a leading, innovative industrial nation.

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geshire

And on the flip side, what would you say is the biggest difference between the Britain of 1966 and the Britain of 2022? Would you say that the landscape of the UK, as a place to work in, has changed drastically over the past 50+ years? The UK has moved from a focus on heavy industry and manufacturing to a more balanced and diverse economy built on a broad industrial and service sector base. Today there’s an increasing emphasis on businesses that are developing innovative, pioneering, sustainable solutions to meet national and international demands, both currently and in the future. Many of the companies that win an Award consider it the most prestigious accolade a business can receive. Do you think this has always been the case or have the Awards become more important over time? With the hallmark of Her Majesty the Queen front and centre in the Award, it has always been seen and recognised as the epitome of the ‘Best of British’. For me, it is the Knighthood for Business Organisations; many winners say it’s their MBE! Certainly the companies I visit exude the excellence of a Knighthood. How do you think the Queens Award is regarded overseas? Do you think having an award gives a company more clout when trading internationally? From what companies tell me they are often at the table talking with potential customers while their competitors without a QAE are, metaphorically, waiting outside the door! A three-time QAE winning CEO told me that absolutely no other award has helped his business in the way the QAE has. Of course, this year marks the Platinum Jubilee. What does this landmark event mean to you personally? The Platinum Jubilee is an opportunity to celebrate the life and selfless support of Her Majesty the Queen who, during the last 70 years, has done whatever she can to encourage the development of a vibrant British society.

We are pioneering a Cambridgeshire County Day on 23rd June 2022 where we are celebrating the best of the best and inspiring the next generation to be the best. As might be expected, our region’s Queen’s Award for Enterprise winners will play a prominent role. This year it has been such a reminder to all the businesses I have given Queen’s Awards to, when they receive their deed of assignment and hear “given in the 70th year of our reign” read out, that it truly exemplifies Her Majesty’s commitment and makes the Award even more special. Subsequent winners will hear that their Award is “made in the 71st year of our reign”, an accomplishment that may never be repeated.

And finally, how do you see the Queen’s Award developing in the future? It must, and I am sure, will, continue to evolve with the evolution of society and encourage and reward businesses that are exponents of British excellence. So, do you think it will still be going strong when Prince George ascends to the throne? With the continued evolution of the Award to meet the demands of the day, and with continued commitment to recognise our best, it will definitely thrive well beyond Prince George. Every nation needs to set the standards and celebrate those organisations that keep them at the forefront. The impact of a Queen’s Award (or a future King’s Award) on companies’ morale and confidence in general should never be underestimated. n

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

PRESENTATIONS & CELEBRATIONS

HSL Chairs HSL business owners, William and Debra Burrows were delighted to receive the award for Innovation from the Lord-Lieutenant for West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson. Before the presentation, he received a tour of their Batley furniture factory and discovered how each personalised item is skilfully handcrafted for their customers.

Laundry Efficiency Ltd Laundry Efficiency Ltd are thrilled to be leading the way in Sustainability in the Laundry industry following there Queens award win. Pictured are Colin & Graham Oakley with H.M Lord Lieutenant of Staffordshire, Mr Ian Dudson CBE KStJ.

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MEET THE JUDGES Here we introduce a selection of judges from across the QAE categories

JUDGE’S NAME Sarah Atkinson

Don’t just tell us what you've done, tell us what difference it has made, and to whom

CATEGORY Promoting Opportunity

AREA OF INTEREST Social Mobility & Inclusion

Sarah Atkinson is the Chief Executive of the Social Mobility Foundation, a charity working to make a practical difference to young people from disadvantaged backgrounds across the UK. Before joining the SMF, Sarah was the Executive Director for Strategy, Policy and Communications at the Charity Commission. Prior to that, she worked within the private sector, including roles with Nationwide Building Society and in public affairs consultancy. Ms Atkinson is a member of the Charity Tax Commission and has board roles at Endometriosis UK, Womankind Worldwide, and the Professional Association of Childcare and Early Years. She is also a Leadership Fellow at St George’s House, Windsor as well as a mentor on the Leaders Plus fellowship programme.

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? Don’t just tell us what you've done, tell us what difference it has made, and to whom. Show us that you've been able to create real opportunities for disadvantaged people, and how employees across your business have really engaged. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARDS WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT The judging process is exacting and Awards are only given where a business has been able to show commitment to Promoting Opportunity over a sustained period and demonstrate it has made a difference. So winners can be confident that the Award is a real mark of excellence and marks them out to customers, employees and the wider community as a top performer. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS One of the hallmarks of British business is that we are truly innovative and we certainly see that across all the businesses and social enterprises that are recognised in the Queen's Awards. Strong bonds with the communities in which businesses are located, and investment in long-term relationships, are also, for me, hallmarks of British business. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? The pandemic has highlighted and increased the barriers which prevent disadvantaged people achieving their potential, but it has also inspired many businesses to respond to the challenge and invest in social mobility. I’m looking forward to seeing that reflected in next year’s entries.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? Social mobility is one of the biggest challenges facing our country at the moment and it's vital for our economy and our society that we level the playing field for people from disadvantaged backgrounds and neglected communities. We need to celebrate the achievements of UK businesses and social enterprises that have committed to social mobility, and the Queen's Awards do exactly that. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? The Queen's Awards are a mark of excellence and I have certainly seen how winning has led to increased profile - both within the UK and internationally - and to increased commercial and partnership opportunities. I know winning an Award in the category of Promoting Opportunity is also a huge morale boost to employees and to the wider community they support, because it recognises the impact they have had. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QA JUDGE? Reading through all the Awards submissions and seeing the range of entries from businesses of all sizes showcasing their efforts to promote opportunities for disadvantaged groups. The entries that stand out are the ones where every part of the organisation has been engaged and it's clear that the business takes real pride in the difference they are making. They bring a real smile to my face. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? Some of the applicants this year were coming back for a second time, having been unsuccessful previously. It was great to see where they they had taken on the feedback and been committed to improvement, and a real pleasure to recommend them for an Award.

www. queensawardsmagazine .com

MEET THE JUDGES

JUDGE’S NAME Tunde Banjoko OBE

Take the time to put as much effort into the application as you did when doing the work

CATEGORY Promoting Opportunity

AREA OF INTEREST Diversity, equity and inclusion, with a particular interest in social mobility and race equality

A passionate social justice advocate with almost 30 years’ experience running a grassroots organisation, Tunde Banjoko is the founder of multiple initiatives (including the social mobility charity Making The Leap and the UK Social Mobility Awards) which try to help make the world a fairer place. As well as providing consultancy to businesses who wish to make advances on race equity, Tunde is known as an inspiring and convincing public speaker, and is qualified as an Executive Coach. He has an MSc in Urban Regeneration from UCL and was awarded an OBE in the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours List.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? I accepted the invitation to be a judge because I believe the Queen's Awards for Enterprise are an exceptional vehicle to encourage businesses to excel in the area relevant to their category. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? They matter because they are not easy to win. It is a rigorous process and the assessors are experienced and diligent, and that’s before it even gets to the judges, so being awarded one is an achievement. They are extremely prestigious awards, something a business can proudly display for five years. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QUEEN’S AWARD JUDGE? Just being part of such a distinguished and diverse group of individuals that form the judging panel. They are themselves experienced and successful in business and it is a privilege to listen and engage in their deliberations. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS THE QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? How the applicants fared and did exceptional work at a time when Covid was still a major factor. How they adjusted, adapted and, in some cases, pivoted, and achieved quality outcomes; that particularly interested me.

WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? Take the time to put as much effort into the application as you did when doing the work. It is a challenging process, so give it your best shot and really explain in detail what it is you are achieving. Do not leave the assessors to have to figure it out. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARD WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT This for me is a no-brainer. You get the opportunity to display the Award which in turn says to everyone – but most importantly current and prospective customers – that you are operating to a very high standard. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS The starting point for British businesses is a very high benchmark; there is a long history of global success that has led the way and inspires today's businesses to reach for the very top.

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

JUDGE’S NAME Lesley Batchelor OBE

The UK is a leader in technologies and innovative design and the world expects a lot from us

CATEGORY International Trade

AREA OF INTEREST All aspects of International Trade & Export

A much-admired champion of exporters, Lesley Batchelor runs Exportbootcamps.com, an expert accredited training company that helps businesses identify international opportunities and focus on new export market growth. Hailing from a blue-chip background, Ms Batchelor is active on the APPG Advisory Panel on Trade & Investment and has given evidence to House of Lords Select Committees on Government support for SMEs. She also writes thought leadership pieces for many journals, and is frequently sought out by TV and radio stations for comment on international trade issues. A graduate of Coventry University, the Institute of Export, and the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Lesley was awarded an OBE in 2014 for services to business.

than it sounds. Companies often have several strands to their export strategy as they tailor their approach to the specific needs of that market. As the panel are all experienced in international trade they will understand that it’s complex. We do, however, feel more confident if it is clear in the application. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARDS WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT Winning the Queen’s Award for any business brings recognition to the staff, the suppliers, the local community and most importantly, to the international customers around the globe. It represents years of hard work and a great honour for the company. And it is very well deserved. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS Businesses that succeed globally have many of the same attributes. The main one is focus, which manifests itself in many ways but those that are well prepared are well received in new markets. Making assumptions about a new market often leads to problems in the initial stages and can make a sustainable relationship harder to achieve and lead to loss of profit. As the saying goes ‘failing to plan is planning to fail!’The UK is a leader in technologies and innovative design and the world expects a lot from us, especially moving forward into new markets. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD… Each year I look forward to reading the applications and seeing how brilliant the UK is. However, I’d love to have more entries and more businesses trading globally and finding the pleasure of being part of a global force for good. As Thomas Jefferson said; "Commerce and honest friendship for all."

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? When I was asked to become a judge, I was completely bowled over! The work that UK businesses do internationally is often unsung, and I believe that the Queen’s Award for them is recognition of their achievements. Being part of this process is so rewarding. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? Exporting is all about communication and the Queen’s Award is a brilliant tool to help businesses prove their credentials and authenticity. HM The Queen is highly regarded and valued across the globe and this makes the Awards easy to translate into goodwill and sustainable trade. A photo of the County Lord Lieutenant in full regalia handing over the award speaks in every language and every export market of the World. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QA JUDGE? Each year we receive a weighty parcel by registered delivery that contains all the shortlisted case studies. It takes a very long time to read but rewards you with the greatest stories of success, often unusual approaches and always innovative businesses. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? One of the interesting takeaways from the applications I’ve noticed is that the Corporate Social Responsibility section is now full of great ideas and full business engagement with the local community. WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? When applying for the Queen’s Award in International Trade you need to be able to articulate your strategy and approach with clarity - this is harder

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MEET THE JUDGES

JUDGE’S NAME Neil Crockett

Innovation will be the heartbeat of the UK's economic and social success in a post- Brexit and post-Covid world

CATEGORY Innovation

AREA OF INTEREST Digital Innovation

As Chief Digital Officer at Rolls-Royce PLC, Neil Crockett was a pioneer in developing cutting-edge power solutions. These days, he uses the passion and insight for digital innovation gained from his leadership experience to help organisations going through changes in strategy, culture and execution. As well as his time as CDO at Rolls-Royce, Neil was the founding CEO of the Digital Catapult and held several European and UK leadership roles during a 15-year career at Cisco. Mr Crockett is currently a Trustee at Barnardo's, the UK’s largest children's charity, and a Director at CatalystNI, a not- for-profit organisation driving knowledge economy innovation in Northern Ireland. Elsewhere he is a Board Advisor at MonolithAI, an exciting AI start-up for engineers, and a Fellow at Be The Business, a not-for-profit organisation accelerating productivity within UK SMEs.

WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS QUEEN’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? The diversity of the innovations; the companies; the sectors - the innovation approaches was even higher than last year. I was also really encouraged with the growing number of companies that are harnessing data science and AI within their product innovations and offering their products as a service. WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A QUEEN’S AWARD? It really is not that difficult to apply, especially when you weigh it against the benefits! My main tip would be to make sure you use simple language and include powerful customer examples - why your innovation is different and better for customers and is more than just a better "me to" offering. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A QUEEN’S AWARDS WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT It places you in a group of innovators that the UK is promoting as its best. How cool is that, and what an amazing way to motivate employees, impress investors and convince customers at home and abroad. Also I believe just going through the application process (and feedback) can help a business structure, mature and benchmark its own innovation process and plans. DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS • A reputation for innovation and creativity in solving complex problems, • Getting on the ground to build close collaboration with customers in order to spot market opportunities early, • A reputation for service - which is going to be increasingly critical as more products are offered as a service, • Trust in quality and an ability to deliver, • Increasingly the UK's reputation as a leader in data, cyber security and AI innovation.

WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE QUEEN’S AWARDS? The Queen's Awards are a combination of something I passionately believe in and which I can bring value to - getting involved was an easy decision! Innovation will be the heartbeat of the UK's economic and social success in a post-Brexit and post-Covid world, especially in my view the up-and- coming generation of innovators harnessing the explosion of new digital technologies and data science breakthroughs. We need high-profile programs like the Queen's Awards to encourage, reward and promote the UK's best. WHY DO THE QUEEN’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? It offers a lot and we need to get more businesses involved. The first and most obvious point is that for businesses establishing themselves, the Queen's Award is a hugely prestigious, recognised and established global brand to endorse your business for a five year period. But it goes much deeper than that. The Award opens the door to a powerful network of new supporters and contacts, the shared pride of the Award will motivate your employees, is a validation that will impress investors and last but certainly not least, is a recognition that will help convince customers - especially export customers. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A QA JUDGE? It is a privilege to see how diverse and vibrant innovation is across the UK. There are so many types of innovations, in so many different sectors, across every size of business and monetised in so many ways. It is also fantastic to see that often the innovations with most impact are simple ones based on a deep understanding of what a customer needs rather than what deep R&D can make possible. I also really enjoy and value the insights and learning I take away from the rich and robust (but always constructive) discussions on the judging panel.

Queen’s Awards Magazine 2022

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