‘Don’t be shy, put your firm up for award!’

BUSINESSES across Leicestershire and Rutland are being urged to put themselves forward for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The Lord Lieutenant of Leicestershire, Mike Kapur, has launched a campaign to encourage more companies to apply after noticing that the county was “dramatically under-represented” compared to other similar areas.

He has put together a team of Leicestershire business leaders, chaired by business consultant and retired KPMG senior partner Ian Borley, to encourage more entries and support businesses in making their applications.

Mr Kapur said: “For a county the size of Leicestershire, if you take a statistical analysis, we are dramatically under-represented in the awards.

“I think that is because people do not realise that what they do, the great products they produce, the terrific contribution they make, is anything special.

“They are shy when really, they should be shouting from the rooftops.

“We know Leicester and Leicestershire is home to innovative, enterprising businesses that are making a difference in their sectors and to their customers.

“We have much to be proud of, and I hope we can support our business community to show that, now more than ever as we emerge from the pandemic.”

The Queen’s Award for Enterprise is given to outstanding British businesses and are the most prestigious awards a British company can win.

The new committee aims to raise awareness of the award and support applications.

■■For help applying, e-mail: Lieutenancyoffice@leics.gov.uk

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