THE Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Mark Blundell, is hosting a special event next month to encourage businesses across the region to put themselves forward for a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.

The awards which recognise the outstanding achievements of UK businesses are free to enter.

Following His Majesty King Charles III’s succession to the throne, Mr Blundell has been on a mission to galvanise Merseyside businesses to enter. Deputy Lieutenants from his team have been charged with inspiring companies to participate and to spread the message about the immense benefits of recognition as a King’s Award for Enterprise winner.

On Wednesday, 15 May 2024, the Head of the King’s Award Office in London, Nicola Bruno, will be in Liverpool to explain the criteria for entry, how to apply, and what the judges will be looking out for in a successful application. Guests will also hear what it takes to win the coveted award from past winners.

The last Liverpool business to receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise is Global Beauty Products, a Brows and Lashes beauty brand, founded by CEO and entrepreneur Warren Gavin. It operates from premises in Garston.

Brian Omar, personal assistant to Mr Gavin, put together GPB’s successful 2022 award entry and says what is now known as the King’s Award for Enterprise is:- ‘the ultimate trusted mark in the world of business.’

He says: “The Royal recognition has really enhanced our credibility in the business world. We use the Queen’s Award emblem on all of our products and packaging, and on our stands at the trade shows that we attend around the world. The emblem appears on our websites, social media, and all of the flyers we send out too. We have attended and have staged, events in:- Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Turkey, USA, Mexico, Italy, Greece, and Germany in recent years. The fact that we have the royal seal of approval has been immensely beneficial to us by underpinning that we are regarded as an exceptional and trusted business. The award is also important to our staff through boosting morale across the business. There is a deep sense of pride that we work for a business that has that all-important Royal recognition.”

GBP exports products to over 40 countries and Brian says of the award:- “You get automatic credibility, we are not just a little firm from Garston, Liverpool, we are a Queen’s Award business!”

Deputy Lieutenant Michael Brown who chaired a North-West business that was twice a Queen’s Award winner, said the recognition was hugely beneficial. He said:- “It made a huge difference to the business. It’s the most prestigious business award you can win. It demonstrates that you have a company that is established and very prestigious. The awards are open to most businesses employing at least two people. There are many marvellous and innovative businesses across Merseyside with great stories to tell, and who may be worthy of King’s Award for Enterprise recognition. These companies should use this as a platform to shout about their success and put themselves forward for acknowledgment as outstanding enterprises.”

The award entry period is from May to September 2024 with companies able to apply in four categories:

• International Trade.

• Innovation.

• Sustainable Development.

• Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility.

Mr Blundell has also appealed to those businesses that may have submitted an application for a QAE or KAE in the past and was unsuccessful in reapplying. He says:- “I realise applications involve a lot of time and effort, but the awards are immensely rewarding for recipients and are well worth applying for. If you have unfortunately failed in the past, please take the opportunity of attending our special briefing which will guide you on what is required to make a successful application. It is important that if at 1st you don’t succeed, try again!”

Full details and how to enter can be viewed at-: Gov.UK. Further information is also available on the Lord Lieutenancy website.