Britain’s business elite - from multinationals employing thousands to a tiny two-person specialist firm – were praised by HRH The Duke of Kent when they gathered in London today to celebrate winning The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2004.

Yesterday Her Majesty The Queen announced Awards for 112 outstanding UK companies from almost every corner of the land.

The Duke of Kent and representatives of the winning businesses were greeted by a flock of Cumbrian ‘sheep’ – made by one of this year’s winners – at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre. The Duke later told guests:

“The Queen’s Award is recognised both here and abroad to be the highest accolade this country can offer to a business. Any winning organisation has demonstrated that it is able to compete with the best in its field.

“This year’s Awards are particularly well deserved after a period of difficult economic trading conditions. I know how much effort and sheer hard work is involved in winning them – but I also know The Queen’s Award Emblem can be a powerful marketing tool.

“I wish you all continuing success – you are without doubt fine examples and an inspiration for others to follow.”

Joining The Duke on the speaker’s podium were previous Award winners Pam Garnett of Garnett Farms Engineering Limited of Knutsford, Cheshire (2002 Innovation Award), Ray Baker of B&Q plc, Hampshire (2001 Sustainable Development Award), and Professor Peter Olive and Graham Rutherford of Seabait Limited, Northumberland (a double Award winner in 2003 for International Trade and Sustainable Development).
More….

The flock of nine sheep outside the conference centre were lifesize models created by Second Nature UK Limited to demonstrate Thermafleece – insulation products from sheep’s wool – which this year won the Penrith company a Sustainable Development Award.

With them was Cumbrian businesswoman Christine Armstrong who realised the potential of surplus wool from British hill sheep as a green, friendly insulator for buildings. She was astonished to find that wool insulation was imported while coarse wool from British sheep was simply burned because the textile trade didn’t want it. She also wanted to help the Cumbrian economy to recover from the devastating foot and mouth epidemic.

After posing with the flock, The Duke of Kent commented: “These sheep are fun, but they also have a serious purpose, proving that ‘green’ products can be both good for the environment and good for business – and good for winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.”

BACK TO LIST