Research proves queen's awards are good for business

New research amongst recent winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise – the UK's top business accolade - has confirmed the powerful impact that winning a Queen's Award can have on a company's fortunes. Of 172 winning companies surveyed, 80% reported that winning a Queen's Award had resulted in a significant boost to staff morale and 65% felt they had benefited from positive press coverage about their win. 55% of winners felt their company had gained from increased recognition in the UK and 45% had experienced increased recognition for their business overseas. Winners also reported a direct benefit on their business competitiveness, with 28% feeling the Award had given them an edge over their competitors and 10% reporting increased new business as a result of their Award. The right for winners to use the coveted Queen's Awards Emblem in their marketing was also seen to be a significant benefit. 88% of winners felt this was either "very valuable" (46%) or "fairly valuable" (42%) to their marketing efforts. The most popular uses of the Emblem are on corporate stationery (79%), brochures and web sites (77%) or on a flag at a company's head office (48%). Other popular uses include product packaging, vehicle branding, presentations, exhibitions and office signage and displays. Overall, almost one quarter of winners (24%) felt that the impact of winning a Queen's Award had exceeded their expectations. Steve Brice, Acting Secretary of The Queen's Awards Office, comments: "We have always known that a Queen's Award is more than just a prestigious honour - it also brings genuine business benefits to winning companies. This new research clearly demonstrates the continuing value of a Queen's Award to today's top UK businesses." The new findings come as organisers prepare to announce this year's winners of The Queen's Awards for Enterprise on 21 April 2003. Awards are made in three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. Each year, winners range from small enterprises to some of the largest employers in the country. MF For more information visit the award's website.