Sunderland Echo

Sunderland is being urged to make sure it is on the winners’ board of the UK’s most prestigious business awards, The Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
No companies in the city currently hold an award, though organisers of the accolades are confident many Wearside firms have the potential to win a title.
Top representatives of the awards have decided to visit Chester-le-Street and Boldon to urge firms in the surrounding areas not to miss out on the opportunity to win an award – which can earn firms cash as well as prestige.
Stephen Brice, acting secretary of The Queen’s Awards Office, and David Moore, secretary to the Prime Minister’s Advisory Committee for Queen’s Awards, will address a business audience at a breakfast meeting at Durham County Cricket Club, Chester-le-Street, on September 3. This will be followed by a visit to Immunodiagnostic Systems Ltd of Boldon Business Park, which won a Queen’s Award in 1999.
Stephen Brice Said: “Immunodiagnostic Systems is the only company in South Tyneside to hold an award at present and there are none in Sunderland. Yet these are areas with a fine industrial history and some excellent modern businesses.
There is therefore no reason why they should not be represented in the list of winners next year.
We are convinced many more firms from the region could be successful if they would put their names forward, and we hope our visit will convince directors that it is worth while to do so.”
Dr Roger Duggan, managing director of Immunodiagnostic Systems, said: “The Queen’s Award was a real boost to Immunodiagnostic Systems. Our national and international reputation was enhanced by the receipt of such a prestigious award, and internally the recognition of the combined efforts and success of a small team was tremendous.
“What’s more, the effects have been sustained throughout the last four years with double-digit annual growth and a determination to get a second award.”
Companies can enter for a Queen’s Award in one or more of three categories – international trade, innovation and sustainable development.
Mr Brice added: “The Queen’s Awards are the most prestigious awards open to British business, equivalent to the honours awarded to individuals in the new year and birthday honours.
“Presentation are made on behalf of The Queen by Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants.
“In addition, The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh usually invite a small number of representatives of each winning organisation to a reception at Buckingham Palace.”

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