The Queen's Awards for Enterprise 2017 will open on 21st April, on the Queen's 90th Birthday.

Awards can be won under any of the following three categories:

• International trade: recognising companies that have demonstrated growth in overseas earnings.
• Innovation: recognising companies that have demonstrated commercial success through innovative products and services.
• Sustainable development: recognising companiesthat have integrated environmental, social, economic and management aspects of sustainable development into their business.

Any UK based 'Business Unit', whether large, medium or small, which produces goods or provides services can be considered for an Award if it carries out activities which meet the specified criteria.

Winners are announced annually on 21 April, the Queen's birthday. The recipients will be presented with an engraved crystal glass commemorative item, a Grant of Appointment and will also be invited to a reception at Buckingham Palace.

Previous winners say the impact of winning is fantastic - 76% reported added commercial value to their business, 73% saw a boost to staff engagement and 49% achieved increased recognition overseas.

Nominations must be submitted by 30 September.

See the website for more details.

UKTI East is hosting a free seminar to help growing companies learn more about how best to enter the awards on 18th April in Stevenage. Click here for more information.