Member Article

Queen’s Awards recognise best of UK business

The UK’s leading businesses have been awarded the Queen’ s Award for Enterprise in recognition of their success over the past year.

209 awards for business achievement were given, which included 151 for International Trade, 50 for Innovation and eight for Sustainable Development.

Business and Enterprise Minister, Mark Prisk said: “The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the highest accolade a business can receive.

“The standard of this year’s winners highlights the great work taking place by businesses of all sizes to help boost the growth of the UK economy.

“I hope that it will inspire more entrepreneurs to start or grow their business as we look to make 2012 the year of enterprise.”

Successful firms came from a number of business sectors, and range from enterprising small businesses to household names including Nissan, B&Q plc and Marks and Spencer plc.

Four winners in the Innovation category also won awards in the International Trade Section; Agento Ltd trading as Revector; ICC Solutions; Racelogic and Ubisense Group plc. Sun Mark Ltd have become the first ever company to win an Award in four consecutive years.

Winners of the Queen’s Awards will now be invited to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace, and can expect a visit by a Royal representative to present them with their award.

A recent survey indicated that 83% of winning businesses felt that it brought prestige to their business, which almost 50% said it gave them an edge overseas

Mr Prisk added: “It is a fantastic achievement for all of the businesses that have received an award and I would like to congratulate them on making such a valuable contribution across all business sectors.”

The awards are made annually by HM The Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .