Alison Webster, Rural Development Director at the Rural Payments Agency, said:
“Every day we see outstanding examples of innovation and enterprise in the farms and food producers we support. The Queen’s Awards for Excellence are a great opportunity to gain recognition and build profile, as well as being a great honour for the winners.
“The 2013 awards include businesses that have a strong influence on the rural economy, and one of those winners- the South West Lakes Trust - has made good use of Rural Development Programme funding to develop and promote inland reservoirs and lakes as a tourist destination. At a number of sites across the South West the funding has provided a range of facilities such as a cable ski system, high wire course and wakeboarding. I’m hoping that 2014 will be the year that other innovative and enterprising businesses within the rural economy make a big impact on these awards.”
Entries for the 2014 awards have now opened and will be accepted until the end of September. There are three categories – International Trade, Sustainable Development and Innovation.
Award winners are visited by a Royal representative and presented with a crystal bowl to mark their achievement. They also attend a celebratory reception at Buckingham Palace. They can use the Queen’s Award Emblem in advertising, marketing and on packaging for a period of five years, as a symbol of their quality and success. For further information on entering the awards see https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise.