Date: 2008-09-23
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With just over a month remaining until the closing deadline at midnight on 31 October for next year's Awards, there is still time for businesses of all sizes across the region to show they too have what it takes to be credited as among the UK's business elite. Europlus Direct was one of 12 regional winners of a Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2008 - the highest number in Yorkshire and Humber for a decade.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Winning The Queen's Award for Enterprise this year has opened the door to a large new contract with Europe for Saltaire company Europlus Direct, and attracted the attention of two US companies with whom the company is currently in discussion.
With just over a month remaining until the closing deadline at midnight on 31 October for next year's Awards, there is still time for businesses of all sizes across the region to show they too have what it takes to be credited as among the UK's business elite.
Europlus Direct was one of 12 regional winners of a Queen's Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2008 - the highest number in Yorkshire and Humber for a decade.
Managing Director Jim Hart said:
"Since winning The Queen's Award for Enterprise we have secured a large new European contract and I have no doubt that this was due in no small part to the kudos of association with such a prestigious Award. It really does both catch the eye of potential clients, and inspire their confidence.
"The increased credibility has also helped us to launch a new company, The European Marketing Agency - and opened the doors for us to some very large businesses locally who, I have found, are themselves very interested in applying so this has been a good starting point for our business discussions."
At a time where the competitive edge makes a real difference, market recognition of Award holders is an unmistakeable advantage in both home and overseas markets.
Fifteen companies from Yorkshire and Humber were among the 136 companies large and small to be recognised with a Queen's Award in April 2008 by Her Majesty The Queen. Success in one or more of the three business categories of Award, for International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development, recognises the outstanding achievement and high standards assessed by an independent panel of experts.
Stephen Brice, Secretary to the Queen's Awards Office, said:
"The Queen's Award for Enterprise is perceived by 55% of winners as the single most valuable business award, the ultimate accolade. But it's more than just something to feel proud about, the benefits are tangible and real, such as higher profile in home markets or increased recognition overseas, an increase in sales - as much as 60% improvement as a direct result of gaining the Award has been reported by one previous winner - and many feel it gives them a definite edge over their business rivals."
Winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise also gives a huge boost to staff morale and promotes a new pride in their work. And 20% of companies surveyed said that having the Award had helped them attract top staff.
Whichever way you look at it, applying for a Queen's Award for Enterprise is a positive move for your business and all you have to do is fill in the online application form at http://www.queensawards.org.uk before midnight on 31 October 2008.
Companies can apply in more than one category and can hold more than one Award at any time. There is no limit to the number of times you apply or the number of Awards you may hold. It's a fantastic marketing tool as winners are entitled to use the Queen's Award emblem on their premises, publications and products for five years - so one application can secure many years of high profile branding awareness for your organisation."
The 31 October deadline 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.
Last year's business Award winners for the Yorkshire and Humber region were:
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
Advanced New Technologies Ltd of Hull
Aquaspersions Limited of Halifax
Authentix Limited of Dunnington, York
Europlus Direct Ltd of Saltaire, West Yorkshire
Gripple Ltd of Sheffield
Haztec International Ltd of Yeadon, Leeds
Huthwaite International of Wentworth, Rotherham
Independent Forgings and Alloys Ltd of Sheffield
J. Marr (Seafoods) Ltd of Hessle, Hull
Pace Micro Technology plc of Saltaire, West Yorkshire
Sheffield Forgemasters International Ltd of Sheffield
Xiros plc of Leeds
INNOVATION
I'Anson Bros Ltd t/a British Horse Feeds of Ripon
Leach Colour Ltd of Huddersfield
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
InterfaceFLOR of Halifax
THE QUEEN'S AWARD FOR ENTERPRISE PROMOTION was awarded to:
Mr Brian Dunsby, Principal, Perlex Associates, Harrogate
ENDS
Notes to editors
1. The deadline for the next round of Awards is 31 October 2008. Winners and recipients will be announced on 21 April 2009. More information about the Awards is also available on the website: http://www.queensawards.org.uk
2009 Awards
2. Application/nomination forms for the 2009 Awards are now available on The Queen's Awards website (http://www.queensawards.org.uk). Applications or nominations may be submitted online. Alternatively, it is possible to register to receive the appropriate form by contacting The Queen's Awards mailing house: 08705 13 44 86.
3. Businesses can apply for The Queen's Awards for Enterprise in one or more of three categories - International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.
4. Individuals can be nominated for The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, which recognises people who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting the growth of enterprise and/or entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others.
5. Separate background and guidance notes and information on the application/nomination process for both businesses and individuals can be found on The Queen's Awards website at http://www.queensawards.org.uk
6. The Queen's Awards emblem and other relevant images can be downloaded in hi-res Jpeg format from The Queen's Awards image archive at http://www.queensawards.org.uk
Issued on behalf of The Queen's Awards Office by COI News & PR Yorkshire and the Humber
For more information please contact Anne Haynes 0113 341 3172 or email: anne.haynes@coi.gsi.gov.uk
The Queen's Awards Office
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
E-Mail: info@queensawards.org.uk Internet: http://www.queensawards.org.uk