Prospective applicants often ask us what we're looking for and whether they can apply for more than one category, so here's some top tips to help you decide if you've got what it takes to win a Queen's Award.
Check if you're eligible
Firstly, you'll need to meet the overarching eligibility criteria of being a self-contained enterprise that employs at least 2 full time UK employees or part time equivalents, be based in the UK and file tax returns with HMRC. You'll also need to demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.
Register an account
It's well worth registering an account, and then checking the additional criteria for each category. You can download a copy of each category's application form to help you plan your answers. While this will give you an overview, you'll need to complete all forms online and you'll find hints and tips throughout the application forms.
On average, it can take up to 72 hours to complete an application but it depends on how well equipped you are to respond to each question. We'd love to hear from you on the time you spent working on an application and how you found the process.
Choose a category
So, what are the categories about and what do you need to demonstrate?
Sustainable Development
On Sustainable Development, we are interested in the products, services or business practices (or any combination of those) that have improved your commercial performance.
International Trade
On International Trade, we are focussed on your overseas sales and particularly, your export or international trade strategy, ie. What did you set out to achieve and what did you deliver?
Promoting Opportunity
On Promoting Opportunity, we are interested in social mobility programmes that help people from disadvantaged backgrounds into successful working lives.
Innovation
Innovation, we are looking for an innovative product, service or business model (ie, your novel marketing strategy) and the impact of that innovation in terms of your customers/clients/commercial success/other companies and markets, for example.
Start now
Our closing date is midday on Friday 2 September so I would advise you to start now and submit early.
Still haven’t decided which category to enter? We had 6 double winners in 2016 so it’s certainly possible to be recognised in more than one category!
Nichola Bruno
The Secretary, Queen's Awards for Enterprise Office
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