The official "call for entries" for the 2005 Queen’s 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 – International Trade, Innovation or Sustainable Development. The deadline for applications is midnight on 31 October 2004.
Alongside the prestige of winning and a reception at Buckingham Palace, a Queen’s Award brings with it genuine business benefits – notably extensive publicity, boosts to staff morale and very often, increased business. According to recent research amongst past winners 90% felt that winning a Queen’s Award had brought their company added commercial value.
The Queen’s 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 Queen’s 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 Queen’s Award in the future.