Act now for your chance to win Queen’s awards

CBI Backs Call For Companies to Enter UKís Top Business Honours Scheme

Outstanding businesses from the business services sector are being urged to act now for the chance to win the UKís ultimate business accolade ñ a Queenís Award for Enterprise.

The official call for entries for the 2005 Queenís Awards goes out this month. Throughout June, successful businesses across the UK will be receiving invitations to apply for an Award in any of three categories ñ International Trade, Innovation or Sustainable Development. The deadline for applications is midnight on 31 October 2004.

Digby Jones, Director General of the CBI, says all successful businesses, regardless of size or sector, should consider applying for an Award:

The Queenís Awards play a vital role in championing exceptional achievements and advances in all areas of British business. I believe the Queenís Awards for Enterprise are something all UK companies should aspire towards. Itís a marvellous scheme for encouraging and rewarding business success and best practice.

Alongside the prestige of winning and a reception at Buckingham Palace, a Queenís Award brings with it genuine business benefits ñ notably extensive publicity, boosts to staff morale and very often, increased business. According to recent research amongst past winners 90% felt that winning a Queenís Award had brought their company added commercial value.

The Queenís Awards are free to enter and open to any UK-based company with two or more people. There is no set number of Awards made each year - each application is judged rigorously on its individual merits. Applications submitted up to 2 months before the deadline can be checked by The Queenís Awards Office, and if necessary, further information requested to enhance applications. Unsuccessful entrants receive written feedback on their application, helping companies identify areas for improvement if they are to achieve a Queenís Award in the future.

To find out more about the Queenís Awards for Enterprise or to obtain an entry form, companies should visit www.queensawards.org.uk or call 0870 513 4486.