BUSINESSES in Devon are being reminded that the application deadline for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is just over two weeks away.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, and Devon County Council are encouraging firms across the county to apply for the renowned awards, which are now in their 50th year, to showcase Devon’s thriving and innovative business organisations.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, which are run by The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), are the UK’s most prestigious business awards. They are presented by the Lord-Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative in the county. The deadline for applications is Friday, September 2.

Lord-Lieutenant of Devon David Fursdon said: ‘As businesses look for new ways to promote themselves, particularly as we develop new trading relationships abroad, I hope that they will consider putting themselves forward for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise which provides, for winners, a recognised stamp of approval.

‘This has provided a real boost for previous winners and I would love to see Devon businesses apply for this potential accolade before the deadline.’

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter. Businesses from all sectors and of all sizes can apply in one of the four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and a new category of Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.

Winners of the awards are able to display the esteemed Queen’s Awards emblem on their products for five years. They are also invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace hosted by Her Majesty the Queen, and HM Lord-Lieutenant presents them with an engraved crystal bowl made by Devon’s own Dartington Crystal.

Information on The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise can be found on www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise