A rousing call to action for the government and corporates to support the growth of medium size businesses were among the highlights of this year’s vibrant Queen’s Award’s Gala Dinner celebration.
Held at the architecturally stunning Inner Temple, the event was organised and hosted by the IOE and sponsored by Strong & Herd, Amber Road and TestPlant Limited.
TestPlant’s CEO, George Mackintosh, reinforced how The Institute of Export has tirelessly encouraged our nation to export…since 1935. He said: “This body is a font of invaluable practical information which it shares – at modest cost – with us, the international trade community. They help businesses steer around export potholes and develop professional standards which are widely admired.
“This year, the Queen’s Award for Enterprise celebrates 50 years of recognising Britain’s leading exporters and innovators and, tonight, the Institute of Export allows the winners the privilege of enjoying our success with our colleagues and with our partners and customers who’ve helped us over the past years. So thanks to you, Lesley, to your team – and to your board for your fine work and for staging this wonderful event.”
George Mackintosh, CEO of TestPlant
Sharing the history of the international aspirations of TestPlant which was launched in 2008, Mr Mackintosh emphasised how high growth, mid-sized businesses are the engine of Britain’s economic recovery and of its future. He called upon the government and corporates to give small and medium size businesses a chance, explaining how it was more difficult to operate in this country than it is in other markets.
The CEO highlighted how a strong home market would help propel companies into overseas markets – which would drive more UK jobs and see an increase in UK high-growth “gazelles” – high growth, mid-sized businesses (MSBs). Mr Mackintosh revealed how MSBs with turnovers between £10m and £100m amount in number to only 1% of the total UK firms but account for 22% of economic activity and 16% of total employment.
Mr Mackintosh concluded by saying: “I’d like to appeal to Britain’s corporate CEOs, to their CIOs and to their heads of software procurement: give MSBs a chance! It’s good for us, good to those businesses that buy from us and good for the British economy…which is good for us all.
“Again my thanks to the IOE team – for what you do and for what you represent which is so important to this nation.”
