Sandwell businesses are being encouraged to put themselves forward for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are given each year for outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. A Queen’s Award is considered to be the most  prestigious business prize and is valid for five years.

Feedback from previous winners in the Queen’s Awards official blog suggests that winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise can benefit businesses with excellent marketing opportunities, worldwide recognition as an outstanding British company, increased turnover and international trade, and a boost to staff morale.

One such business to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise recently is KMB Shipping Group, which was presented with its award in the category of International Trade by Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree at a small but prestigious ceremony in Tipton in December 2021. 

Lord-Lieutenant John Crabtree – a representative of her Majesty the Queen for the West Midlands – noted in his speech that West Midlands businesses are under-represented among winners of the Queen’s Awards.

According to Lord-Lieutenant Crabtree, the county of the West Midlands has 4.2 per cent of the nation’s population living here and should therefore (per capita) be winning around twelve awards every year. In 2021 it was just two.

Following the award ceremony co-owner of KMB Shipping Group and Sandwell Business Ambassador Paul Hull encouraged other Black Country businesses to put themselves forward and apply for a Queen’s Award.

KMB Shipping is now allowed to fly the Queen’s Award flag at its premises and display the emblem in its marketing materials, for the next five years. Other benefits of achieving this prestigious accolade include press coverage and kudos from customers and suppliers.

If your business wins a Queen’s Award you will also receive a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are presented at your company by a Lord Lieutenant.

To be eligible to apply your organisation must be based in the UK. You only need to have a minimum of two full-time UK employees or part-time equivalents. You must file your company tax returns with HMRC and demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility. Your company can be a business or non-profit organisation.

To find out more visit gov.uk website. You can contact the Queen’s Awards Helpline on 020 7215 6880.

The Queen’s Awards are free to enter and you can apply for more than one award. 

For resources, support and tips to help with your application visit the Sandwell Business Ambassadors website.

For additional support with your application you can contact the West Midlands Lieutenancy office.