Queen's Award winners announced
By IBI Magazine
A number of UK-based marine firms are to receive a Queen's Award for Enterprise this year, one of Britain's most prestigious annual accolades for business performance. A total of 119 awards from all industry sectors were announced last week — 71 for international trade, 40 for innovation and eight for sustainable development.
Among this year's marine-based winners was UK powerboat builder Sunseeker International, which was recognised for strong growth in overseas earnings and commercial success. According to a group statement, the company has increased its exports by more than £50 million over the last three years to around £510 million, creating an additional 291 jobs. Almost all of Sunseeker's production is exported, and it now sells to more than 40 countries worldwide.
"The company has achieved tremendous growth in recent years and the Queen's Award acknowledges our continued success in building the business further, and sustaining Sunseeker's position as one of the world's finest builders of luxury motoryachts," says company founder and managing director Robert Braithwaite.
Other winners from the marine and shipping sector were Witherbys Publishing Ltd, a UK publisher of shipping and marine manuals; the marine division of International Paint Ltd, makers of a fouling-control coating for ship hulls and propellers; and marine electronics company Tacktick, makers of the Micronet range of wireless, solar-powered marine electronics.
A further 11 individuals were honoured in The Queen's Awards for Enterprise Promotion (QAEP). These awards, now in their third year, are for individuals who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting the growth of enterprise and entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others.
One of this year's QAEP recipients was Anne Duncan, chief executive of marine leisure craft firm Yellowfin Ltd in Southampton. Duncan has devoted much voluntary effort to enterprise promotion over the years, and continues to do so.
The deadline for applications for the 2008 Queen's Awards is October 31, 2007. Winners and recipients will be announced on April 21, 2008. For more information, visit the official award website at www.queensawards.org.uk.
(23 April 2007)
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