Calling all enterprising companies

Monklands firms are being encouraged to apply for recognition through the Queen’s awards for enterprise.

The prestigious scheme rewards “outstanding achievement by UK businesses in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility”.

It is currently being promoted by the Lanarkshire Lieutenancy, which represents the Queen in the county.

Deputy lieutenant Terry Currie, chair of the lieutenancy business group, said: “We would welcome enquiries from businesses about the awards.

“We have a close relationship with Business Gateway Lanarkshire, and they are prepared to review whether individual businesses would meet the eligibility criteria for a Queen’s award.

“Although many large companies have won the awards, the majority of winning businesses have fewer than 250 employees.”

He also highlighted the “significant benefits of winning a Queen’s award” – including around three-quarters of awardees reporting that the status brought added commercial value, increased employee engagement and press coverage, while 57 per cent of international trade winners achieved increased recognition overseas.

For further information, visit www. gov. uk/ queens- awardsforenterprise or email lord. lieutenant@northlan.gov.uk.