The Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell has issued a rallying call to galvanise businesses across Merseyside to apply for the King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE).
The KAE recognises the outstanding achievements of UK businesses across four operating categories:
- International Trade
- Innovation
- Sustainable Development
- Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility
Previously known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, the programme has now been relaunched as King Charles III’s scheme to acknowledge business excellence. Mr Blundell has appointed a panel from his office to encourage businesses in the region to get involved.
Panel member John Mohin OBE, a Liverpool academic, Deputy Lieutenant for Merseyside and an Honorary Fellow of Liverpool John Moore’s University, says: “Liverpool is recognised worldwide as a leading centre for business and trade while the wider Merseyside region has a multitude of outstanding and innovative businesses across a range of sectors. We have organisations conducting cutting-edge research in the fields of science, medicine and technology to leading businesses in retail, construction, finance, logistics, entertainment and so much more.
“These Awards for Enterprise recognise the exceptional contribution that winning businesses have made to the UK. Winners are entitled to feature the King’s Emblem on all their marketing and promotional material for a period of five years, and this is a recognised stamp of excellence for businesses trading nationally and globally.
“The awards are well supported by many regions around the UK but unfortunately the application numbers from Merseyside companies have in the past been somewhat disappointing. This is a situation we are anxious to rectify.”
Mr Mohin adds: “Liverpool has been recognised as European Capital of Culture and this year received further global recognition through hosting Eurovision 2023. Now we can bring even more attention to our region by demonstrating our remarkable business acumen through applying for a KAE. I’m sure there are numerous businesses, with fantastic stories to tell, which would be worthy recipients.”
The awards are open to all UK businesses, large and small, provided they have at least two years’ trading history and employ at least two people or part-time equivalents.
Businesses and Media are being invited to a special KAE launch from 10am-12noon on Wednesday, July 12th at the Royal Liver Building, Pier Head Liverpool. Nichola Bruno, Head of the King’s Award Office, will be attending along with previous winners who will speak about their application journey with advice on what is required to make a successful application.
If you wish to attend this event, please contact: Helen Tanzey: Clerk to the Lieutenancy of Merseyside
Businesses can apply for the King’s Award online through the official website: The King’s Awards for Enterprise: About the awards – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
