There is a preconception that Queen’s Awards are hard to enter. Is this the case? “The application process in quite in-depth, but you get a lot of feedback from the Queen’s Award team in London, and that really helps with applicants with their business development and strategy. Even if your business is not successful you will receive feedback on their application - excellent free business consultancy! - and are encouraged to apply again in subsequent years. Previous winner Superyacht Tenders & Toys devoted about three weeks of staff time to providing all the evidence required. Ideally, the drafting team should include a senior business director and the Finance Director, with marketing support if available. Alternatively, there are a number of professional consultants who can manage the process for you. Local advice is also available from the Suffolk Lieutenancy Business & Enterprise group.”
What kind of businesses are eligible? In order to apply your business must be ✓ ✓ based in the UK; ✓ ✓ file its Company Tax Returns with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC); ✓ ✓ be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services and is under its own management; ✓ ✓ have at least 2 full-time UK employees or part-time equivalents; ✓ ✓ demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility Your organisation can be a business or non- profit, and depending on the category you are entering there are other specific criteria which will need to be evidenced. Four categories are open for applications, and there is no restriction on the number of categories a business can enter. Remember that this is not a competitive process, and there is no limit to the number of Awards, so each application is treated individually and on its own merits.
Why do you think businesses in Suffolk should put themselves forward for an Award? “This region is full of innovation, entrepreneurship and ideas, and Suffolk is one of the fastest growing and best-connected counties in the UK. We are home to a number of the world’s top businesses, with a vast network of thousands more smaller businesses with big ambitions for growth. From digital technology, financial services, life sciences and ports and logistics; to tourism, food drink and agriculture, manufacturing and engineering, energy, health and construction, Suffolk is an enterprise hub for jobs, new skills and investment. The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise offer the opportunity for national recognition to those who are leading by example in business excellence.” As Clare Countess of Euston has said: “Celebrating business excellence in Suffolk shines a spotlight on all those who are leading the way, and by working better together we will be celebrating many more winners in years to come. We are all immensely proud of Suffolk. It is one of the best places in the country to live, work and learn.”
For more information on the Queen’s Awards see
https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for- enterprise
https://queensawards.blog.gov.uk/
Suffolk Lieutenancy Business & Enterprise Group markpendlington@btinternet.com
Scrutton Bland will be holding an event at our Ipswich offices in February/March 2020 for local businesses to hear more about the Awards entry process and to hear from previous winners. If you are interested in finding out more please email events@scruttonbland.co.uk and we will get in touch as soon as we have more details.
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