Scrutton Bland Winter Adviser 2019

AND THE WINNER IS...

We’re in the middle of awards season at the moment. Whilst film and television stars are walking the red carpet to the collect their BAFTAs, Emmys and the occasional Oscar, in the business world there are an equal number of corporate business awards being given out to firms of all sizes and backgrounds. But there is only one business award which comes with the Royal seal of approval – that of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. A dviser spoke to Mark Pendlington, Deputy Lieutenant of Suffolk, who has been spearheading a campaign across Suffolk to encourage the county’s businesses to apply for this most prestigious of business awards. Can you explain a bit about the Queen’s wards? What is the process when a business wins an Award? “The Awards are announced on Her Majesty the Queen’s birthday (21 April) and are presented from June onwards by Her Majesty’s Lord- Lieutenants. In Suffolk this is Clare, Countess of Euston, who is Her Majesty’s personal Are there any advantages for businesses trading outside the UK? Although the Awards scheme is UK-based, their reputation is international, increasing visibility for your business in overseas markets. As Josh Richardson, whose firm Superyacht Tenders & Toys won a Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2017 comments: ‘It really gives first- time clients the confidence to use us. It’s like

representative in the county. If your business wins an Award you will be presented with a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy by Lady Clare. You will be able to fly the Queen’s Awards flag at your main office and can use the logo on your marketing material such as advertisements, website and so on. Two representatives of your company will also be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace, hosted by Her Majesty the Queen and attended by other members of the Royal Family. The Award is valid for five years.” This all sounds highly desirable, but are there any commercial benefits to winning a Queen’s Award? “The Queen’s Awards are both highly prestigious and very difficult to win, so any business that is successful can be sure of positive press coverage and associated marketing opportunities. It is hard to precisely quantify the direct correlation between winning an Award and a growth in earnings, but it undoubtedly adds value to your business, and may well give you a competitive edge when it comes to generating new sales. It is also beyond doubt that winning an Award will give your staff morale a huge boost, which in turn has all sorts of added benefits in the way your employees feel themselves to be a valued part of a successful organisation.” Black

“The Queen’s Awards began over fifty years ago in 1966 as the Queen’s Awards to Industry, in a scheme chaired by the Duke of Edinburgh. Following a review led by the Prince of Wales in 1999, the scheme evolved into The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were split into three categories: Innovation, International Trade and Sustainable Development. A new category, Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility was introduced in 2016.”

having the ultimate testimonial to call on. One of our large growth areas is the Middle East, and I think this is a key award to win for future orders from that region.’ Richard Vass is Managing Director of Burland Technology Solutions in Great Blakenham, who were given a Queen’s Award for Export Achievement in August 2019. ‘The recognition of being awarded a Queen’s Award has had a massive, positive impact on the morale and enthusiasm of the whole team at Burland,’ comments Richard. ‘In addition, the award gives us additional credibility when entering new overseas markets, and reassures potential clients that we have an exceptional, proven track record.’”

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Right: Claire and Josh Richardson of Superyacht Tenders & Toys won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2017.

Far right: Richard Vass of Burland Technology Solutions receives the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation in 2019.

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