Eight members of East Midlands Chamber were among the winners in this year’s Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.
The companies, based in Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, received recognition by the UK’s most prestigious business awards in the innovation, international trade and sustainable development.
They were part of a cohort of 22 East Midlands-based firms that picked up awards, which meant the region was responsible for roughly one-tenth of the 232 winners nationally during the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee year.
Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 winners at East Midlands Chamber
The Chamber members were:
- Ampetronic Limited (International Trade Award)
- Collaborate and Innovate Ltd – trading as Cosy Direct (Sustainable Development)
- Donald Ward Limited – trading as Ward Recycling (International Trade Award)
- Peak NDT Limited (Innovation Award)
- PR Marriott Drilling Limited – trading as Marriott Drilling Group (International Trade Award)
- Qdos Broker & Underwriting Services Limited – trading as Qdos Contractor (Innovation Award)
- Oncimmune Holdings plc (Innovation and International Trade Award)
- Unimed Procurement Services Limited (International Trade Award)
East Midlands Chamber chief executive Scott Knowles said: “The East Midlands economy boasts a diverse range of industries, many of which are represented among the 22 Queen’s Award for Enterprise in our region – which includes eight members of East Midlands Chamber.
“At a time when businesses are seeking to find new markets and raise productivity levels following the twin challenges of Covid-19 and Brexit, it’s great to see some fantastic examples of innovation recognised on a national level.
“The significant number of international trade category winners is also testament to our region’s reputation as a place for making, moving and innovating.”
East Midlands Chamber members react to Queen’s Awards for Enterprise achievements
Qdos Contractor, based in Rearsby, Leicestershire, provides specialist contractor insurance services to businesses.
CEO Seb Maley said: “I’m delighted that we’ve brought a prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise back to Leicestershire for a second time in just five years. Being recognised for our commitment to innovation is testament to the talent and hard work of our outstanding team.
“The industry in which we operate has experienced major changes in recent years and I’m proud that the services we provide are playing a key role in helping freelancers, contractors and businesses in the region and nationwide overcome them.
“This award – which is one of the UK’s most coveted business accolades – gives us further confidence to continue to invest in our people and technology, as we look to support the self-employed.”
Thomas Ward, commercial director at Ilkeston-based Ward Recycling, said: “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade is a huge honour for the Ward team. Our core business, which represents around 80% of turnover, is the buying, selling, processing and recycling of ferrous and non-ferrous metals from a variety of sources, including end-of-life vehicles and arisings demolition projects.
“Over the three years to March 2019, thanks to significant investment in deep sea dock facilities and ongoing hard work of our dedicated teams, our overseas sales grew by 84%, a growth rate of 36% per annum. We were able to expand our export capabilities to service larger customers in Turkey, Egypt, India and Pakistan.”
Cosy, which sells ethical educational supplies to primary schools, councils and nurseries, was set up by husband and wife Peter and Amanda Ellse in 2011, and moved to a 45,000 sq ft warehouse near Tutbury, on the Derbyshire-Staffordshire border, last year.
Employing more than 100 people in the Midlands, it aims to meet a need for ethical, imaginative play equipment that encourages outdoor learning – using products including upcycled tyres, climbing frames, reading shelters and story chairs that engage and inspire youngsters.
CEO Peter Ellse said: “We are absolutely over the moon to have been awarded the Queen’s Award for Sustainability in what is Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee year.
“Cosy is one of the UK’s most exciting prospects when it comes to the educational resources industry – we’ve more than doubled in size over the last three years – and our community-minded ethos is something which we take great pride in.
“Sustainability and an ethical approach to business is important to us; we’re also proud to support charities and grassroots projects around the world – including right here in the Midlands.”
Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will present the awards to businesses locally throughout the year.
Small Business Minister Paul Scully said: “This country is renowned for its entrepreneurial achievements and there is no greater showcase for it than The Queen’s Awards. It’s vital we celebrate the success of our businesses and recognise the contributions they make to communities across the country.
“I congratulate this year’s winners for their hard work and commitment over the last year and I wish them every success for the future.”
Businesses can enter the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2023 from 1 May 2022 at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise
