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
www. queensawardsmagazine .com
24
Made with FlippingBook Converter PDF to HTML5