Brigade Electronics are specialists in vehicle safety solutions, such as camera monitoring systems, radar and ultrasonic detection systems, mobile digital recording and reversing & warning alarms, with products to suit all commercial vehicles and mobile plant.
We were delighted to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and see it not only as a huge honour but also as an incredible achievement that reflects our hard work in export markets around the globe.
Why Apply?
We were aware of the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise for some time after having it brought to our attention by one of our employees. The prestige surrounding these awards are extremely high with few companies throughout the UK being successful in gaining the award, particularly within our sector. This award truly differentiates Brigade Electronics as a global market leader against our competition, none of which have this prestigious award.
What does winning feel like?
It is many years since Brigade could be described as a company that sells in the UK and also does some exporting. The reality today is of an export-orientated organisation that also continues to sell products and services in the UK. With international sales currently representing 65% of total sales, the figures speak for themselves.
This growth in export has not been without years of hard work, developing teams and markets overseas to get to the position we are in now. In 2002 we opened our first overseas offices in Germany which started to lead the shift in balance between our export business and domestic sales. Now, Brigade supplies products in over 80 countries world-wide. To have our achievements recognised at such a high level with a Queen’s Award for Enterprise acts as a significant marker to reflect on what we have accomplished.
Benefits to the business
We have received a great amount of coverage from local and international press after being awarded with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Sharing the news across the globe has been met with great enthusiasm by our national and international distributors as well as by our staff.
We have already had many customers and visitors mention our new flags that fly outside our offices, which have the Queen’s Award logo emblazoned. The emblem is a good conversation starter and let’s potential customers know that we can supply globally, noting how our offering is different to our competitors. We aim to be the supplier of choice in our markets and everyone across the organisation is committed to ensuring consistency of product, service and technical support to underpin this. It is vital to protect this important point of differentiation and without the scale and scope of our export operations this would be impossible, something that our award reflects to great effect.
Advice for future applicants
Although the application can take time, this robust process ensures the award stands up to its prestigious reputation. Behind the scenes is an immense amount of research and analysis that goes in to each application. Ultimately, once winning an award, this is reflected in your brand. With few companies being awarded, you will stand out within your market; This year only 3 companies (including Brigade) were awarded a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Kent. Start your application – the benefits far out way the time taken to submit your application.
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