MEET THE JUDGES
JUDGE’S NAME Stuart Laws
It is the open passion, creativity, and willingness to do what's right at the heart of all we do, that defines why British businesses are so successful
CATEGORY Innovation
AREA OF INTEREST Defence sector and small/medium enterprises (SME)
As an Assistant Head in the Defence Innovation Directorate, Stuart Laws is principally responsible for the delivery of Cross Sector Innovation challenges. In addition, he also leads the Ideas Management for Defence Strategy. Mr Laws has enjoyed a varied career since joining the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 1990, fulfilling pivotal roles within a host of key improvement and engagement programmes and initiatives. Away from the Defence sector, Mr Laws is the founding director of Idea Shadow Coaching Ltd, and the Chairperson of ideasUK. This is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) which works with organisations worldwide to recognise and realise the benefits of an idea management focused approach.
WHAT’S YOUR TOP TIP FOR A COMPANY THAT IS THINKING OF APPLYING FOR A KING’S AWARD? Just do it - but keep the language simple, focus on the achievements as much as the product and ensure you include the positive impact on the local community your company has had. Those of us on the judging panel have a lot of experience and knowledge, meaning that there will be at least one of us able to champion your application. But, if you've included too much jargon or complex information, that will distract us from the important conversation and debate about your achievements. DESCRIBE THE BENEFITS OF BEING A KING’S AWARDS WINNER, AS YOU SEE IT Being a King's Award winner is as much about credibility with your customers, as it is about recognition of the effort and commitment of your staff, and their positive impact on the local community. Being an award winner is an opportunity to attract new attention and, potentially, talent.
WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE TO BE A JUDGE FOR THE KING’S AWARDS? The King's Awards represent what drives my passion for innovation - when I was invited to be the Defence judge I didn't need to think about my answer. UK industry has been at the leading edge of so much innovation. Being a part of the way we recognise and promote that effort and success to The King's Awards are hugely prestigious; a recognised and established global brand to endorse your business. This generates not only pride in the business, but within the local community and provides your customers with confidence that your company and products are something they can rely on and trust. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A KING’S AWARD JUDGE? I enjoy the opportunity to learn about what's happening across UK industry. Learning about a product or company I didn't know about before the panel preparation and discussions is a hugely positive thing. For me, being a King's Award judge is another way to find out about the things I didn't know, I didn't know. influence future innovation is a worthwhile commitment. WHY DO THE KING’S AWARDS MATTER TO BUSINESS? WHAT SPARKS YOUR INTEREST ACROSS KING’S AWARD APPLICANTS THIS YEAR? The diversity of applications. The range has been amazing and spans the entire spectrum of industry, from the smallest to the largest UK organisations. Knowing that there are companies investing time, effort, and commitment to solve real customer problems through innovation, is a key area of passion for me.
DESCRIBE A FEW FEATURES YOU BELIEVE MAKE BRITISH BUSINESSES SUCH A GLOBAL SUCCESS
When you look at the achievements, advancements and scale of influence achieved over the years, it is easy to see why British businesses achieve global success. For me, it is the open passion, creativity, and willingness to do what's right at the heart of all we do, that defines why British businesses are so successful. ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO ADD? Each year I look forward to reading about something new and exciting, but I'd like to see more applications - especially from the Defence sector and smaller companies - who possibly suffer from self-doubt. You've invested time, effort and commitment into your company, at least talk to the team about applying.
King’s Awards Magazine 2023
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