Businesses urged to submit applications for Queen's Awards for Enterprise

Top businesses everywhere are being urged to submit their application for the 2008 Queen's Awards for Enterprise. The deadline for entries is October 31, so you need to act swiftly.

The Queen's Awards are awarded for outstanding achievement in International Trade, Innovation or Sustainable Development. You can register to receive the appropriate application form by contacting The Queen's Awards mailing house on 08705 13 44 86 or this year, for the first time, you can apply online at http://www.queensawards.org.uk

Stephen Brice, Secretary of The Queen's Awards Office said, "Winning a Queen's Award is an opportunity to prove to your customers and suppliers just how successful your business is. It is an independent and prestigious endorsement of your company.

"It can open doors to new suppliers, customers, investors and partners - it tells them your company has credibility and should be taken seriously. It can also boost sales - some winners have reported impressive increases in turnover since winning a Queen's Award."

It is also the last chance for nominations for The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, which rewards those inspirational people who have made an outstanding contribution to the promotion of enterprise skills and attitudes in others.

Unlike the business Awards, for which a direct application can be made, people must be nominated for The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, for example, by colleagues, associates or beneficiaries of their work.

Stephen Brice added, "The UK has its share of entrepreneurs, inventors, innovators and businessmen and women who give up their time to inspire and encourage potential entrepreneurs. So if you know of anyone who deserves such an Award, this is the time to get your nomination in."

Queen's Awards winners include very small and large businesses

Last year's winners included two Awards to firms with only three employees and another to an international giant that employs 68,000 people.

Successful companies also included the world's largest privately-owned yacht builder, a high street fashion retailer, an internationally recognised visitor attraction, a company that provides financial services to the voluntary sector, and a business recognised for the promotion of sustainable manufacturing practice in the UK's furniture making industry.