Queens Awards 'May Be Key To Greater International Export Success'

Senior Queen's Awards Office officials visiting an outstanding Renfrewshire firm today, have reminded Scottish businesses that winning a Queen's Award for Enterprise may be the key to unlocking success in the international export market.

Queen's Awards Secretary Stephen Brice and Secretary to the Prime Minister's Committee on the Queen's Awards David Moore, are in Scotland to visit winning companies past and present to see for themselves the secret of their success and to encourage applicants for next year's Awards. The deadline for applications for the 2009 awards is October 31.

They are visiting Vascutek Ltd of Inchinnan, Renfrewshire which gained its award for outstanding achievements in International Trade in this year's awards and Scotash Ltd, Alloa, who have won two Queen's Awards in the last three years.

Stephen Brice said: "The Queen's Awards for Enterprise have been described as the equivalent of a 'corporate knighthood' so there has never really been any doubt the prestige that they carry can set companies apart from their competitors and deliver that all-important commercial edge.

"Nevertheless, it is still really encouraging to hear companies confirm that from their own experience which is a ringing affirmation of the power of The Queen's Awards to deliver results."

The Queen's Awards for Enterprise for businesses honour outstanding UK companies by recognising the achievement of the successful business unit as a whole - management and employees working as a team. Awards are held for a period of five years and winning businesses are entitled to fly the Award flag and display the emblem on their letter headings, in advertising, on the goods themselves, and on commemorative items etc.

(JM)