The 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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