SUFFOLK companies are today being offered the chance to win a prestigious Queen's Award which could help them land major new contracts overseas.The Queen's Awards Office is encouraging firms from the county to follow the lead of a select-group of leading outfits who have won the right to carry the Queen's Award emblem on their products.
SUFFOLK companies are today being offered the chance to win a prestigious Queen's Award which could help them land major new contracts overseas.
The Queen's Awards Office is encouraging firms from the county to follow the lead of a select-group of leading outfits who have won the right to carry the Queen's Award emblem on their products.
Entries for the next round of awards are now being accepted and companies have two months to beat this year's deadline.
Steve Brice, secretary to The Queen's Awards Office, said: “There are real bottom line benefits to winning.
“With other awards you are recognised by your peers but with the Queen's Award you are recognised by the Queen, the Prime Minister and both nationally and internationally.”
The Queen's Awards recognise outstanding efforts in business success, innovation and sustainable growth.
In 2005 there were 137 winners, including five from Suffolk.
Mr Brice said: “There is a misconception this award is just for the large manufacturing companies. This year we had 145 awards granted, of which 66 went to companies employing 50 people or less. Size should not be a barrier to applying.”
More than 90per cent of those 2005 winners say their company achieved added commercial value from being able to say they had been deemed worthy of a Queen's Award.
Because of the international prestige of the awards, many companies say they can make the difference when securing overseas contracts.
Companies win the right to carry the Queen's Awards logo for five years and currently eight outfits in the county hold an award.
The deadline for entries is October 21. To download an entry form visit www.queensawards.org.
Winners will be announced on the Queen's birthday on April 21.
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