News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is encouraging local firms to apply for the 2020 Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Awards recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of UK businesses in the fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Last month, it was announced that Cockermouth-based Createc had been successful in the Innovation section of the 2019 awards for its 3D radiation imaging device for mapping nuclear facilities.

This followed its success in the International Trade category of the 2018 awards, which saw further Cumbrian recognition in the shape of the Lakes Free Range Egg Company in Penrith, listed in the Sustainable Development section.

Winners will be:

• invited to a Royal reception;
• presented with the award at their company by the Lord-Lieutenant, The Queen’s representative for Cumbria;
• able to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office, and use the emblem on their marketing materials (for example, on packaging, advertisements, stationery and website);
• given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy.

The awards are valid for 5 years.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, who is actively involved in the awards, said: “It’s wonderful to see that Createc has once again put Cumbrian business in the national showcase.

“I am very keen to show that in Cumbria we have many innovative and enterprising companies: national recognition of them would be good for the county’s economy.

“The businesses themselves would also benefit from a higher profile. The publicity and prestige from winning a Queen’s Award for Enterprise can make a tangible difference, particularly in export markets: seventy three per cent of previous award winners in International Trade directly attributed increased sales to winning a Queen’s Award.

“I would strongly encourage companies to explore whether they are eligible to apply and then go for it, but they shouldn’t be downhearted if they don’t win an award at first attempt. It is competitive!

“Among my Deputy Lieutenants in Cumbria, there are several who may be able to advise on the application process, so please feel free to make contact with the Lieutenancy Office in case we can help.”

The office can be contacted on 01228 221722 or E-mail: Suzannah.walker@cumbria.gov.uk 

Cumbria LEP Chief Executive Jo Lappin added: “Cumbria has many ambitious and innovative businesses and the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is a great way of recognising business success.

“The Lord Lieutenant has outlined why the awards matter and can make a real difference to businesses and I would strongly encourage our businesses to apply.

“Winning an award offers businesses multiple benefits, including global recognition of outstanding performance, the chance to recognise the excellent contribution that its people are making to the business and increasing opportunities for growth through sales and exports.”

The application process for the 2020 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise closes at midday on Tuesday, September 10, 2019. Almost all UK businesses (including non-profit) can apply and the online self-nomination process is free.

Firms may also apply for more than one category.

All entry forms, eligibility criteria and information on how to apply are available at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise