Queen’s Award winner urges other firms to go for glory

Cosy Direct, which earlier this year was awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, is urging other firms to put themselves forward for the prestigious accolade.

In May, the firm, which sells ethical educational supplies to primary schools, councils and nurseries, was one of 226 organisations who were nationally recognised, winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Sustainable Development.

It was one of a record nine Queen’s Awards handed out to Derbyshire companies.

Now, efforts are being made to encourage even more firms to enter the awards.

To show its support, Cosy has funded a website, which it hopes will help others with their entries.

The website, derbyshireqae.co.uk, features testimonials from members of the Derbyshire business community who have previously won a Queen’s Award.

It also features words of encouragement from Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire Elizabeth Fothergill and Tony Walker, chair of the Derbyshire Queen’s Award for Enterprise panel.

Videography and photography company Goldbox Productions is also involved in the project, creating a winner’s film showcasing the talent across Derby and Derbyshire.

The lieutenancy is running open days for organisations who are interested in applying for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

The next one will take place at the University of Derby’s Chesterfield campus on Thursday 14 July and Toyota Manufacturing UK, at Burnaston, on Wednesday 20 July.

Peter Ellse, chief executive of Cosy, which he set up with wife Amanda in 2011, said: “Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise – Sustainable Development is some achievement.

“It is awarded for commercially successful products, services and management that benefit the environment, society and the economy.

“To get the Royal seal of approval from Her Majesty as one of the best companies in the UK is significant for our business and a coveted honour.

“For Cosy, it has helped to elevate our business and it is great to be able to use the official emblem on our website.

“Buyers and the suppliers who we work with at Cosy have an even greater confidence in working with us, knowing that we have royal recognition of our growth, success, and ethos.

“In our city and county, there are some pretty brilliant organisations who should consider applying for a Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year – the likes of Morley Hayes, Colleague Box and Midland Lead.

“It would be great to see them gain recognition from Her Majesty and we’re particularly keen to encourage organisations from the north of the county, from Bakewell, Glossop and Buxton, to enter.”

Applications for Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2023 are now open.

For more information and to enquire about attending one of the information evenings, visit www.derbyshireqae.co.uk.