What a night we had! On January 12th 2023, The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson, officially presented us with the Queen's Award For Enterprise.
Liam Doyle (Business Development Executive) and Meghan Say (Digital Marketing Executive) accepted the official glassware trophy and signed scroll on behalf of the team. The Lord Lieutenant also officially opened our brand-new purpose-built warehouse and office space. The night commemorated the successes we’ve achieved, and our friends, family, suppliers, and valued partners all travelled to be with us for the celebrations.
Now in its 57th year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is the UK’s most prestigious business accolade in the country, with only a select few businesses chosen each year. QBOL was one of just 23 Yorkshire firms honoured with the Queen's Award for Enterprise in April 2022. This certificate, the Grant of Appointment Scroll, is the only document to be signed by both the Monarch and Prime Minister, this issue having been signed by her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. It now takes prime position in our awards cabinet.
Our journey started just over 10 years ago with a vision of becoming number one at what we do. Denny Maude, CEO, said “My business partner, Simon Riley, and I couldn’t have got to where we are today without the fantastic team and talent we have here at QBOL. We are extremely proud of how far they’ve taken the company, and that’s why we decided to send two of our longest-serving employees up to collect the award on behalf of QBOL.”
To complete the evening, The Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire cut the ribbon to our new premises, and the building was officially opened. Our guests were given tours of the building, which included the warehouse, Auction, Rally, and Visionary rooms, then up to our office and collaborative space, which was designed by a local interior designer, Building Interiors.
Throughout the night food
and drinks, provided by Ales and Cocktails and Dukes Pizza, and
a huge
4ft
chocolate
fountain, provided
by Spotlight Events,
were enjoyed by all. The
fabulous décor and balloons were
provided by Sense Of Occasion.
Each attendee was given scratch card with the chance to win prizes such as a hospitality box for Peter Kay Live at Leeds First Direct Arena and a £200 donation to the winner’s charity of choice, in this case Greenpeace. Our guests were also invited to donate to Candlelighters, a Yorkshire based charity supporting families with children with cancer which QBOL has raised money for several times over the years. The night was full of fun, food, drinks, and live music from Ronnie Music.
After months of planning, we were extremely excited to welcome our guests and give them an insight into what we do here at QBOL. The culture we have created is something we are extremely proud of.
Throughout the night and afterwards, we received so much wonderful praise and admiration for the team we’ve built. Here’s what some of our partners had to say about the night…
“Your new site is amazing with all the workspaces and areas you’ve created for the team, the décor is fabulous, so creative. Congratulations on all your achievements, especially the Queen’s Award For Enterprise, you should be so proud of yourselves. We love working with you guys and look forward to our continued partnership” Claire and Louise, Greyhound Box.
“I have seen companies in Sweden, France, Germany who have built a similar working culture and value driven business but never in the UK. Congratulations to everyone at QBOL. Thank you also to Paul for being a fantastic ambassador for QBOL and showing me around your new home.” Stratis, Leeds Beckett University.
Winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise is very special to our team. Being handed the award was an incredible moment for QBOL. To have our hard work recognised by such a notable body was a true privilege which was only made better by the presence of everyone who helped us get there.
