Businesses across Shropshire were today urged to apply for one of the country’s most prestigious awards – and build on the region’s proud track record of success.

Applications are now open for the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, which showcase outstanding achievements in the fields of international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

Four Telford-based organisations – Aviramp, Landau, Reconomy and Scanning Pens - were successful in winning the 2021 awards in a record-breaking year for the county.

The winners are invited to a Royal reception at Buckingham Palace and are entitled to fly the Queen's Award flag at their main office and use the emblem on their products and marketing materials for five years.

The Lord-Lieutenant, the Queen’s representative, presents each of the successful businesses with a crystal trophy.

HM Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner urged businesses to apply for this year’s awards.

“Our county has a wealth of successful activity which deserves to be rewarded and brought to the attention of a wider audience.

“The awards and the QAE logo are recognised globally, and the Royal Seal of approval is a tremendous honour for any business or organisation to have. And regardless of whether you win an award, completing the application process is an excellent opportunity to scrutinise your business with a critical eye and focus on new ideas.”

Mandy Thorn, chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership which is helping promote the awards alongside Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and small business organisation The FSB, said they were an excellent opportunity for businesses to celebrate their success.

“There are inspirational businesses and organisations doing remarkable things in every corner of this region and the Queen’s Awards are the perfect opportunity for them to tell the world.

“Because these awards are judged purely on merit, they are open to a wide variety of enterprises with winners varying from large international companies to small businesses with just a handful of employees.”

To be eligible for a Queen’s Award, a company must be based in the UK, have at least two full time UK employees or part-time equivalents, file its company tax returns with HMRC, be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services under its own management and demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.

The 2022 round is now open for applications. To enter, go to https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply

Caption:  HM Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire Anna Turner

About the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership

  • The Marches Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) is driving accelerated economic growth through investment in innovation, higher level skills, housing and business sites across the region.
  • The Marches region, which includes Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin, is a dynamic business region where entrepreneurs flourish alongside global players. Covering 2,300 sq miles and with a growing population of 684,300, it is home to 30,775 businesses and a £14.3 billion economy.
  • Bordered by the West Midlands to the east and Wales to the west, the Marches' key centres of population and employment are the city of Hereford and thriving towns of Shrewsbury and Telford. A network of 25 smaller market towns and a large rural area make up the rest of the settlement mix – with the Marches recognised as being one of the most enterprising regions in the UK
  • High profile businesses which have chosen to base operations here include BAE Defence Systems; GKN; Westons Cider; Grainger & Worrall; Stadco; Caterpillar; Mϋller Dairy UK, Doncasters Aerospace, Denso, Capgemini, Ricoh, Cargill, Heineken, Grocontinental, McConnels, Kerry Ingredients, Special Metals, Kingspan and Makita
  • The Marches is also home to centres of excellence and institutions which promote and foster the transfer of knowledge including Harper Adams University and its National Centre for Precision Farming, University Centre Shrewsbury, the University of Wolverhampton campus and e-innovation centre at Priorslee, NMITE, New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering, and Food Enterprise Centre in Shrewsbury
  • The designated Enterprise Zone of the Marches LEP is in Hereford, at Skylon Park. It is the only Enterprise Zone in England with a unique defence and security sector focus, drawing on the city's heritage as the home of the SAS
  • The LEP area is home to some iconic places of interest. The Ironbridge Gorge World Heritage Site, the Shropshire Hills and the Wye Valley Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Offa’s Dyke, the rivers Severn and Wye, and places of national renown including Ludlow and Ross-on-Wye make it a highly popular place to both visit and relocate to
  • The Marches has a diverse business base and is recognised for its sector strength in advanced manufacturing and engineering; agri-food and drink; automotive and defence & security
  • Business support in the Marches is offered via the Marches Growth Hub, a business-friendly website at marchesgrowthhub.co.uk and helpline on Freephone 0800 998 1098 developed by the LEP
  • You can learn more about the Marches LEP at marcheslep.org.uk and contact the LEP by emailing This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.