News and Views

Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership is encouraging local firms to apply for the 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, offering recipients global recognition that their company is outstanding in its field.

They recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of UK businesses in the fields of:

• Innovation
• International Trade
• Sustainable Development
• Promoting Opportunity through social mobility

The awards are valid for five years and the 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.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman, the Queen’s representative in Cumbria, said: “The closing date for applications for the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for 2022 is on 8th September.

“I do hope that some of our excellent innovative companies in Cumbria will be applying in the next three weeks if they haven’t already done so.

“Winning this prestigious award can make a tangible difference to sales and profile; for those companies which meet the criteria, it is well worth going for.”

Cumbria LEP Chief Executive Jo Lappin added: “Cumbria has many ambitious and innovative businesses, which have demonstrated incredible resilience, creativity and adaptability, over the past 18 months.

“The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are a great way of recognising an organisation’s achievements and success can make a real difference to businesses. I would strongly encourage businesses to apply.

“Winning an award offers numerous benefits, including global recognition of outstanding performance, the chance to recognise the excellent contribution of your people to the business and increase opportunities for growth through sales and exports.”

Appleby-based Barrnon was successful in the Innovation section of the 2021 awards. The engineering services provider identified an opportunity to develop specialist equipment for the decommissioning of nuclear sites, with the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise recognising their success.

For other recent winners in Cumbria and advice on the process see: https://www.cumbria.gov.uk/council-democracy/councillors-democracy-elections/lordlieutenant/enterprise.asp

Almost all UK businesses (including non-profit) can apply and the application process is free. All applications must be made online with winners due to be announced in April 2022.

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