The 2005 winners of The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s leading accolade for business success included a manufacturer of high quality leather goods (Checker Leather) among the 137 Awards, the highest total for ten years. In total, 88 Awards were announced for achievements in International Trade, 41 for Innovation and 8 for Sustainable Development. Winners range in size from a small firm with only two employees to an international giant employing nearly 4,500. 47% of this year’s winners employ less than 50 people and 30% are from the service sector.
A Queen’s Award for Enterprise, now in its 40th year, is a highly prized endorsement of commercial success, which typically results in widespread publicity and enhanced company pride amongst staff. Winning companies are entitled to use the Queen’s Award Emblem on goods, packaging and marketing materials for five years as a symbol of their business achievements. They also benefit from a reception at Buckingham Palace and an Award presentation at their own premises by a representative of The Queen.
