We’re very privileged to welcome a guest blog from Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex, Peter J Field.
One of my favourite duties as Lord-Lieutenant is to present Queen’s Awards for Trade and Enterprise on behalf of Her Majesty and her government. Favourite, not just because it is a wonderful occasion, but it is a very real opportunity to give national congratulations to the recipient company, and to thank them for the work they have done, and are doing on behalf of the UK.
Queen’s Award winners do a great job for our economy. Mingling with guests attending award ceremonies it is always a pleasure to meet many overseas customers, suppliers, and overseas company personnel all of whom know that to win a Queen’s Award is to win the most coveted Business Award, possibly in the world, and to later learn that following receipt world-wide sales for many companies can increase by up to 70% seems to me to be a great incentive for companies to apply.
At all of the presentation ceremonies which I have attended owners and senior managers know how valuable their staff are to their business, and how, without their help, winning the award would not be possible. They all pay tribute to this fact. They know the company’s success would not be happening if it were not for a dedicated workforce, and it pleases me that as many staff as possible are always present to enjoy the occasion. At every award I have attended I have been struck by the family atmosphere of the company – how they all work together to achieve the best they can.
Coming from a business background I know how important success in business is to ensure we breed more success. Sadly, too many companies feel they should not laud their achievements. Business Awards demonstrate and showcase the best, which is a combination of quality products, quality management, staff involvement and corporate social responsibility. Developing all of these areas helps any business to improve. The Queen’s Award is a terrific way of recognising this, and I for one hope many more companies apply and strive to win one. I will certainly do all that I can to encourage it in my county and I am pleased that my Deputy Lieutenants are happy to give presentations to business and trade groups on the benefits that are available.
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