THREE Essex businesses have been successful in winning the highly prestigious Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2021.

The 2022 award process is now open for applicants, with all eligible Essex firms being invited to apply for the award.

The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise celebrate business achievements and are key to recognising successful British companies.

Awards are granted to businesses with outstanding achievement in one of four categories: International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.

Essex winners of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise 2021 are:

ESDT Operations Ltd of Harlow – https://www.spray-dryer.com/

ESDT Operations
Established in 2015 and based in Harlow, ESDT Operations is a privately owned business which specialises in the design, manufacture and supply of industrial spray drying equipment and solutions for use in the food, dairy, chemical, pharmaceutical and recycling industries globally.

It is the UK’s premier supplier of spray drying systems with an extensive range of plant and equipment for powder production. The company’s services to the client includes sales, design, project management, installation supervision, operator training and commissioning. 

Overseas sales have grown over three years by 385 per cent and now account for 93 per cent of total sales. The company operates across Europe, USA, Far East, Middle East and Australia: 93 per cent of its overseas business is with the US and its other top markets are Bahrain, Ukraine and Vietnam. 

Kestrel Liner Agencies Ltd of Stansted – https://www.kestrel.com/

Drivershields UK Ltd of Leigh on Sea – https://www.drivershields.co.uk/

Winning an award provides a globally recognised benchmark of quality and these firms can now use the Queen’s Award emblem on all marketing materials, increasing their prestige to trading partners, giving real market advantage.

Cllr Lesley Wagland, Essex County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Renewal, Infrastructure and Planning, said: “Our Everyone’s Essex strategy includes priorities to address the impacts of the Covid pandemic on unemployment by supporting business recovery and building a stronger economy for the future so I am delighted to see three Essex businesses recognised in the Queen’s Awards and I would encourage Essex businesses to enter for 2022.

“The Queen’s Award for Enterprise recognises business excellence in Essex, and highlights those who achieve these aims and build our economy for future generations.”

Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, Lord Lieutenant of Essex, said: “I would like to congratulate our awardees for 2022. To receive a Queen’s Award is an honour, and a fantastic acknowledgement of the tenacity that Essex businesses have shown during a period of uncertainty.

“The Queen’s Award is open for all businesses across the county, and I fully recommend applying and reaping the benefits of this prestigious award.”

The application process for The Queen’s Award 2022 is now open for businesses to enter.

In the upcoming months, Essex County Council and the Lord Lieutenant’s office will be hosting a virtual drop-in session to support Queen’s Award applicants. The session will allow you to meet previous winners and listen to their presentations on business prosperity, post awarding, and to discuss the potential benefits and receive application support.

The time and date of the event is to be confirmed. If you are interested in attending the virtual drop-in session, please register online at https://forms.office.com/r/KchijQNK1Q or scan the attached QR code.

To check eligibility and application criteria, please visit: https://www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply for further information.