Queens Awards invite applications from business services sector

Successful companies from the business services sector are being invited to apply now for a chance to win a Queenís Awards for Enterprise - the UKís most prestigious Award for business-related achievement.

The official ícall for entriesí for the 2006 Queenís Awards goes out this month (June), targeting successful firms from all sectors across the UK. The Awards are open to any UK-based organisation with two or more people, which has excelled in any of three categories - International Trade, Innovation or Sustainable Development. The deadline for applications is October 31st 2005.

Stephen Brice, Secretary of The Queenís Awards Office said:
I am sure there are a number of outstanding companies in the business services sector who stand a good chance of winning a Queenís Award next year and I urge them to apply. Unlike other award schemes, there is no set number of Queenís Awards made each year, and it costs nothing to enter. Even the process of applying for an Award is good for business, as it allows companies to benchmark their achievements against others within and outside their industry.

Alongside the prestige of winning and a reception at Buckingham Palace, a Queenís Award brings with it genuine business benefits - notably widespread publicity, national and international recognition and enhanced staff pride and morale. Winners are also entitled to use the Queenís Award Emblem as a recognised íbadge of successí throughout their marketing and operations, for a period of five years.

Organisers recommend that companies apply early. Applications submitted before September 1st can be checked by The Queenís Awards Office and, if necessary, further information requested to enhance applications. All unsuccessful entrants also receive written feedback on their application, helping them identify areas for improvement.

Application forms for The 2006 Queenís Awards for Enterprise are now available at www.queensawards.org.uk or call 08705 13 44 86.

In addition to the business awards, nominations are also being sought for The Queenís Award for Enterprise Promotion - a new Award for individuals, launched in July 2004, to recognise people who have played a significant role in encouraging the growth of enterprise and/or entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others. To nominate an individual for this Award, visit