THERE are three categories that businesses can enter for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

They are: International Trade, Innovation and Sustainable Development.

There is also an individual award category – the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Promotion.

Each Queen’s Awards category has different application criteria that must be met before application.

The awards are made annually and are only given for the “highest levels of excellence” demonstrated in each category.

Liverpool scrap metal recycling firm S Norton was a winner in the International Trade category in 2004 and 2009.

Public affairs advisor David Hulse, who helped put the entries together, confirmed that competition was fierce.

He said: “Before you enter the Queen’s Awards, you need to take a close look at your figures to make sure you can demonstrate genuine growth.

“You have to be able to show evidence of profitability – not just an increase in turnover.”

Business secretary Vince Cable has now put out the call for firms to get their entries in for the 2012 awards.

“It’s important we create the right conditions for Britain’s new and up-and-coming entrepreneurs to succeed, and I strongly encourage businesses to start thinking about nominations for next year,” he said.

The application/nomination period for The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2012 is now open and closes on October 31.

Winners will be announced on April 21, 2012.

Entrants must meet the following criteria:

They must be based in the UK – including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man;

They must operate as a business unit of the UK economy;

They must have at least two full-time employees or part-time equivalents;

They have to be able to demonstrate commercial success.

Entry is free and forms can be completed and submitted online at www.businesslink.gov.uk/queensawards