“Don’t forget to send your application in” is the message to top businesses everywhere as the deadline approaches for the 2008 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Midnight on 31 October is the closing date for companies to apply for the UK’s most prestigious business accolade awarded for outstanding achievement in International Trade, Innovation or Sustainable Development.  This year, for the first time, it is possible to apply online at www.queensawards.org.uk

Stephen Brice, Secretary of The Queen’s Awards Office said:

“Thousands of businesses large and small have already requested application forms.  However, I am confident there are many more top performing companies that could benefit from the unique opportunities offered by being a holder of the UK’s most prestigious award for business.

“Winning a Queen’s Award is an opportunity to prove to your customers and suppliers just how successful your business is.  It is an independent and prestigious endorsement of your company.

“It can open doors to new suppliers, customers, investors and partners – it tells them your company has credibility and should be taken seriously.  It can also boost sales – some winners have reported impressive increases in turnover since winning a Queen’s Award because it helps to raise a company’s profile and encourages more customers to choose their business.”

It is also the last chance for nominations for The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, which rewards those inspirational people who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of enterprise skills and attitudes in others.  Unlike the business Awards, for which a direct application can be made, people must be nominated for The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion, for example, by colleagues, associates or beneficiaries of their work.

Stephen Brice, Secretary of The Queen’s Awards Office said:

“I feel sure that the UK has its share of entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators and businessmen and women who give up their time to inspire and encourage potential entrepreneurs.  So if you know of anyone who deserves such an Award, this is the time to get your nomination in.”

Last year’s winners included two Awards to firms with only three employees and another to an international giant that employs 68,000 people.  Successful companies also included the world’s largest privately-owned yacht builder, a high street fashion retailer, an internationally recognised visitor attraction, a manufacturer of novel immuno-diagnostic kits for use in diagnosing and monitoring multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer), a company that provides financial services to the voluntary sector, and a business recognised for the promotion of sustainable manufacturing practice in the UK’s furniture making industry. 

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