The awards recipients were announced today (29 April) and included 205 organisations nationally. Among the industry names was Oxford-based printer Seacourt, which was awarded in the sustainable development category for the fourth time.
This was “because it has clearly provided evidence of how sustainability is embedded in business decisions, and can demonstrate significant positive results”.
“It has a clear desire to lead and inspire and has been working with its supply chain to improve their performance.”
Managing director Gareth Dinnage told Printweek the company was delighted at winning a fourth Queen’s Award.
“Our aim is to be the most sustainable printing company that there can be. With everything that’s where our focus is and so our approach is slightly different from a lot of other people.
“This is a fantastic accolade for our single vision as to what we want to achieve and how businesses should be a force for good.”
Hemel Hempstead-based digital imaging and inkjet technology developer FFEI was recognised for its excellence in innovation.
The award recognised the innovation and success of its digital micro imaging technology, which is used in the field of digital pathology.
The company’s whole slide imaging technology enables the generation of ultra-high resolution, colour calibrated digital images of tissue samples, which are used to diagnose and treat a broad range of ailments, including cancer. 2021 marks the fourth time FFEI has received this award.
CEO Andy Cook said: “I am really proud of the success our team has achieved with this innovative technology and very honoured to have been recognised with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.
“Applying our digital imaging technology in the field of digital pathology brings benefits to many people’s lives and with the application of new AI software, is helping to push the boundaries of what’s currently possible.”
Also recognised was London-based publishing company Nosy Crow, which won a second consecutive Queen's Award for international trade.
The business, which publishes commercial fiction and non-fiction books, both in print and ebook form, has seen its overseas sales grow by 97%, with the proportion exported growing to 67%.
“Our global success is due to the great work of our authors and illustrators, and to the achievements of the terrific team at Nosy Crow,” said commercial director and co-founder Adrian Soar.
“We are delighted that for the second time this has been recognised by the accolade of a Queen’s Award, a first for the book publishing industry.”
Finally, Bridgend-based Coppice Alupack was another of the 122 businesses to win a Queen’s Award for international trade this year.
The business, which manufactures aluminium foil containers, board lids and other packaging products, saw its overseas sales grow by 188% over the three-year application period, while the proportion of sales exported has increased to 20% of total sales.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is now in its 55th year. Winning businesses receive a certificate signed by the Queen and a crystal rose bowl, presented by the Lord Lieutenant. They can also use the Queen’s Awards emblem in their marketing and on packaging for the next five years.
Applications for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2022 open on 1 May 2021.
