Businesses urged to fly the flag in Queen’s Awards

Businesses across the Marches were today urged to apply for one of the country’s most prestigious awards – and build on the region’s proud track record of success.

Applications are now open for the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, which showcase outstanding achievements in the fields of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

Leominster-based M Lloyd Engineering and four Telford-based organisations – Aviramp, Landau, Reconomy and Scanning Pens – were successful in winning the 2021 awards in a record-breaking year for the region.

The winners are invited to a Royal reception at Buckingham Palace and are entitled to fly the Queen’s Award flag at their main office and use the emblem on their products and marketing materials for five years.

The Lord-Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative, presents each of the successful businesses with a crystal trophy.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Herefordshire, Edward Harley OBE, urged businesses to apply for this year’s awards, which were officially launched in Herefordshire earlier this month.

“The Marches is full of innovative and successful businesses and organisations and the Queen’s Awards give us a tremendous opportunity to highlight the wonderful work going on here.

“They offer a huge opportunity for businesses of all sizes to share their success and raise not just their own profile, but that of the Marches as a whole.”

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner, also called on businesses to apply.

“The awards and the QAE logo are recognised globally, and the Royal Seal of approval is a tremendous honour for any business or organisation to have. And regardless of whether you win an award, completing the application process is an excellent opportunity to scrutinise your business with a critical eye and focus on new ideas.”

Mandy Thorn, chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership which is helping promote the awards alongside the chambers of commerce in Herefordshire and Worcestershire and Shropshire and small business organisation The FSB, said they were an excellent opportunity for businesses to celebrate their success.

“There are inspirational businesses and organisations doing remarkable things in every corner of this region and the Queen’s Awards are the perfect opportunity for them to tell the world.

“Because these awards are judged purely on merit, they are open to a wide variety of enterprises with winners varying from large international companies to small businesses with just a handful of employees.”

To be eligible for a Queen’s Award, a company must be based in the UK, have at least two full time UK employees or part-time equivalents, file its company tax returns with HMRC, be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services under its own management and demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.

The 2022 round is now open for applications. To enter, go to https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply