ONE of the Deputy Lieutenants of Somerset, Brigadier Nigel Beacom, gave local businesses an insight into the benefits of applying for the King’s Award for Enterprise at a networking breakfast organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce.

He was representing the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, who is the King’s personal representative in Somerset.

Brigadier Beacom told attendees at a breakfast on Thursday, August 7, which was held at Taunton School, that aside from royal duties, the Lord-Lieutenant and deputies promoted charitable organisations and supported both businesses and communities.

Brigadier Beacom said: “Somerset is full of exciting and innovative businesses and The King’s Award for Enterprise is a great way of celebrating their success.

“Whether a small business with a great innovative product or service, or a larger company running an impressive social mobility programme, this award is a prestigious way to recognise your contribution to enterprise."

He said past winners – including current Somerset Chamber of Commerce members, Yeovil-based Leonardo and Atlantas Marine, as well as Frome’s Kaiasm – had gained positive media coverage and accessed new markets as a result of winning an award.

He added: “It is a great boost to staff morale and the use of the Royal seal of approval helps businesses get noticed above and beyond the competition.”

Applications for this year’s awards close at 1pm on September 12. More details can be found on the website www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.

Emma Warren, Chair of Somerset Chamber’s Board of Directors, thanked Brigadier Beacom for speaking at the breakfast and encouraged Chamber members and local businesses to find out more about entering the awards.

She said: “We have so many great businesses in Somerset and this really is an opportunity to be put on a global map as an exemplar in your field. 

“There is also the King’s Award for Voluntary Service which is given to voluntary groups for life to honour their impact on local communities and their volunteers.”

The breakfast was attended by around 30 representatives from local businesses, who were able to network and make new connections while enjoying either a cooked or continental breakfast in the Old Library and Taunton School.