20 North-west firms recognised in 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise

20 businesses in the North-west have won in the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, including one in Stockport, with 232 firms recognised nationwide.

The prestigious award celebrates the achievements of UK businesses across four categories: International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity. The North-west was one of the five out of 12 UK regions and nations to be represented by businesses in all four categories.

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.” 

In Stockport, electronics business IPEC Ltd was the only of the borough’s businesses to receive the accolade in the Queen’s Jubilee year, and won in the International Trade category.

Overseas sales at the firm grew by 54% in the three-year period considered by the 2022 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, with top markets including Saudi Arabia, Austria, China, the United States and South Africa. To provide quality customer support it developed remote services using local distributors and by hosting webinars to maintain contact with existing and potential customers.

The 2022 Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the second time IPEC has been recognised for its overseas exports, previously winning in the International Trade category in 2016.

Winners’ awards are valid for five years. Winners are permitted to fly The Queen’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials. Winners are also given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy. Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. 

Applications for the 2023 Queen’s Awards for Enterprise will open on 1 May 2022.