20 June 2001

ENTREPRENEURS ENCOURAGED TO BE THE BEST

NORTHERN Ireland's business companies have been challenged to benchmark their performance against the best by entering the prestigious 2002 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

The Queen’s Award scheme recognises and rewards exceptional achievements and advances in all areas of British business.

Sir Reg Empey, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment said: “I know that Northern Ireland has many excellent and very enterprising firms, and I want them to receive the recognition they deserve.

"The enterprise of many of our companies was showcased at Trade International's Northern Ireland Exporter of the Year Awards last week. The Queen's Awards is an opportunity for local companies to show that they can compete with the best in Britain.”

Any type of business unit can apply for a Queen’s Award in one or more of three categories: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development. The minimum requirements are that entrants employ at least two people, be based in the UK and be high achievers in their field.

Winning companies are entitled to display the Queens Award emblem for five years. They benefit from the publicity surrounding the announcement of the winners and are also invited by the Queen to a special reception at Buckingham Palace.

Full details of the Queen’s Awards criteria for entry can be found on the Queen’s Award website at www.queensawards.org.uk. The deadline for this year’s Awards is 31 October 2001.