JUDGE’S NAME Dr Vicky Kell
King's Awards have international standing and set successful business above the rest, providing a globally recognised unique selling point
CATEGORY Innovation
AREA OF INTEREST Innovation and Economic Development
Director of Invest Northern Ireland’s Director of Innovation, Research and Development division, Dr Kell has significant experience in private and public sectors, developing expertise in innovation, technology and international commercialisation. Passionate about Northern Ireland, Vicky’s aim is to facilitate the economic development of NI PLC through the growth and global competition of local businesses. She sits on judging panels for business, innovation, marketing and export awards, while her international conference experience includes keynote addresses and facilitating workshops. Vicky has worked for Pritchitt Foods, Courtaulds Textiles and PricewaterhouseCoopers. During her time with PwC, Vicky had the opportunity to work with local companies and UK-based blue chip companies.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A KING’S AWARD? Never assume something is obvious. Always provide the success story of what you have done: how you achieved it, the challenges [that needed] to be overcome, and the impact it has had. Also make sure the ethos of the businesses is evidenced. Make sure the judges can understand your journey and the innovation. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A KING’S AWARDS WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT As a winner, you receive international recognition, a valuable USP and a huge motivational boost for your staff DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS High quality; pride in products/services; continued development of offerings. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? I look forward to judging the awards each year
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE KING’S AWARDS? I am always interested in seeing the advances companies are making, and think it is important to recognise success. These awards are renowned, and I was keen to contribute to the whole process. It is also interesting to hear the views of the other judges on the Innovation panel when we meet to review applications. WHY DO THE KING’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? King's Awards have international standing and set successful business above the rest, providing a globally recognised unique selling point (USP). Businesses can utilise that USP to stand out from competitors. The awards also act as a motivator to staff and help to raise morale. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A KA JUDGE? I enjoy seeing the advances businesses are making and the innovative developments they pursue. It is also interesting to hear the views and knowledge of the other judges. The real enjoyment comes from seeing an outstanding and deserving business gain the recognition - by way of an award - that they deserve. WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS KING’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? The range of innovations, and also the range of scale of size and maturity in businesses, is always great to see and raises my pride in UK businesses.
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