BIS, the government department which manages the awards process said that the standard of applications has been extremely high this year with only 20 per cent of companies applying receiving awards, double last year’s amount.
They range from enterprising small businesses with as few as two employees to household names such as Yeo Valley Farms (Production) Ltd, Brother UK and The National Archive.
There is one multiple Award winner this year, in the International Trade and Innovation categories: RealVNC Limited, for its remote access software for computers and mobile devices.
Winning firms cover a vast range of business sectors including architecture and design, building and construction, motoring and transport, electronics and technology, law and finance, tourism and leisure, medical and pharmaceuticals, food and drink, oil and gas, media and marketing, printing and recycling.
Winners of The Queen’s Awards can expect a company visit by a Royal representative during the year to present a crystal bowl and an invitation to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace in July.
They can also use The Queen’s Award Emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years as a symbol of their quality and success.
There was also 11 individuals who received The Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP) for their inspiring efforts to encourage UK entrepreneurship.
The awards are made annually by HM The Queen, and are only given for the highest levels of excellence demonstrated in each category. They are judged to a demanding level and winners receive a number of benefits and worldwide recognition.
To find out more about next year’s awards visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/queensawards2012
