King's Award for Enterprise is a 'badge of trust' to help you to grow your business

Entrepreneur Warren Gavin launched his business in Liverpool 12 years ago with just one other person working alongside him. Now, Global Beauty Products is regarded as world leader in its sector, exporting to over 40 countries with its eyebrows and eyelashes treatments rated number one in the US market.

Today, Mr Gavin’s company employs 48 people, including in-house chemists, and develops products from research laboratories and a manufacturing facility in Garston, Merseyside. Over the next year he intends to expand his operation with a further 25 staff.
In 2022, Global Beauty Products received a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade. Mr Gavin (pictured right) says the honour has been a key factor in the extraordinary growth of his business.
Mr. Gavin said he and his team ‘forage for business’ at international beauty trade shows and conferences. He described the Queen’s Award for Enterprise as a ‘badge of trust’: “People recognise the prestige of the Royal emblem and trust you.”
On Wednesday (May 15th) he shared his story at an event hosted by the Lord-Lieutenant of Merseyside Mark Blundell aimed at encouraging businesses across the region to put themselves forward for what is now the King’s Award for Enterprise.
The free to enter awards recognise the outstanding achievements of UK businesses and Mr Blundell has been on a mission to galvanise Merseyside businesses to enter.
The head of the King’s Award Office in London, Nicola Bruno, along with her Communications and Marketing Manager, Chloe Pasler, were among the speakers at the special event held at Liverpool’s Athenaeum Club to brief dozens of businesses on the criteria for entry with advice on how to make a successful submission. They were joined by previous winners of the coveted award who shared the secrets of their success.
Mr Blundell described the occasion as ‘informal, informational and enlightening’ and said he was ‘confident that there are plenty of companies in Merseyside who have the track record and attainments to apply successfully for one of these awards.’
Mr. Blundell said the Region’s success rate had previously been moderate, but it had improved hugely this year and two of this year’s five recipients had applied directly as a result of attending last year’s similar event.
Among the guests on Wednesday were four Merseyside businesses that have just been announced as 2024 award winners. The Lord-Lieutenant said the region can build on this with more positive outcomes over the next few years.
One of those businesses and also making a presentation was Sara Lawton, Director of Rise Construction Framework. Rise Construction Framework is a small team of four people running a construction and services procurement framework whose profits are invested into the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise sector to directly fund vital community services that impact on the daily lives of people.
One example is a coffee shop called Thrive established in the City Centre exclusively for young people coming out of Care to connect with social and support works to ensure they live happy, safe and fulfilling lives.
Sara explained that as a small organisation of only four people, attending last year’s event gave them the confidence to make their application and she advised other small businesses not to be put off by their size.
Mr. Gavin said the award, which entitles Global Beauty Products to carry the Queen’s crest on all its packaging and marketing literature, had helped to secure his firm’s position as global leader in their sector.
Chloe Palser said: “Many recipients tell us that having that emblem really does open doors to them, particularly if they're trying to break into new markets or exporting overseas. Overseas companies really do see the value of being a King's Award recipient. Many of them are fascinated by it, by the royals and having that King's award status is always a conversation starter.”
She said many recipients have stated that the King’s Awards are different to other business awards, carrying greater prestige and recognising the efforts of every member of staff within a company. She added: “It's a great way to boost morale, to keep skilled employees and to attract new and skilled employees as well.
The King’s Award for Enterprise entry period for 2024 is from May to September with companies able to apply in four categories:
• International Trade
• Innovation
• Sustainable Development
• Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility

Full details and how to enter can be viewed at: www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
Further information is also available on the Lord-Lieutenancy website: www.merseysidelieutenancy.org.uk

Issued on behalf of Lieutenancy of Merseyside by Paul Smith Associates:
Contact Paul Smith: paul@paulsmithassociates.co.uk

For further information of the Lord-Lieutenancy contact: Helen Tanzey: Clerk to the Lieutenancy of Merseyside msl.clerk@lieutenancy.info

PAUL SMITH ASSOCIATES
23rd May 2024