Extending the deadline of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise

The last 18 months has been an unbelievably testing period for businesses up and down the country, but it has been truly inspiring to see the creativity, dynamism and resilience of entrepreneurs shining through despite the challenge of the pandemic.

We believe that there is no better time than now to celebrate the incredible achievements of UK business owners.

This is why we have extended the deadline for applications to the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 until midday on Wednesday 22 September. We want as many businesses as possible to have the chance to apply and be recognised for their achievements.

With Her Majesty ’s Platinum Jubilee taking place next year, this is the ideal time to throw your hat in the ring for a prestigious Queen’s Award.

The Awards are UK-wide and reflect the remarkable diversity of firms in every corner of the country. Last year’s winners included a company in Aberdeen that has been making quality mattresses for 170 years, a low carbon manufacturer in South Wales making sustainable construction materials, a bakery in London working with survivors of domestic abuse and a social enterprise in Barnsley helping to tackle poverty and food waste.

We’re backing businesses through the pandemic and beyond as well as levelling up every region and nation of the UK, promoting opportunity for all. Celebrating business through the Queen’s Awards is a central part of achieving this.

The Queen’s Awards are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses and a Royal endorsement that helps businesses get noticed, both at home and overseas. Other benefits include:

• excellent marketing opportunities and press coverage
• worldwide recognition as an outstanding British company
• increased turnover in the UK and overseas

Awards are given for excellence in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Whether you excel in one or more of these categories, these Awards are a unique way to recognise what you and your staff have accomplished.

The winners pass a robust assessment process, judged by senior civil servants and experts from industry, academia and the third sector. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to successful businesses locally throughout the year.

Winners get to fly the Queen’s Awards flag and use the logo in all their marketing materials – a huge boost for brand visibility, credibility with partners and suppliers, and staff morale. Receiving a Queen’s Award for Enterprise is an enormous honour and something which business people up and down the land should value and aspire towards.

I encourage businesses to apply for this year’s Queen’s Awards and to submit their application.

Best of luck!