Q5 has received a Queen's Award for International Trade for its strong international growth in recent years. Q5 was the only consultancy to be listed for an award this year, and will now be able to use an esteemed Queen's Awards emblem for the next five years.

Founded by a quintet of friends in 2009, Q5 Partners was established to challenge the traditional business model of the consulting industry. The group thought they could help businesses better respond to the challenges confronting them, with benefits that lasted beyond the four quarters of the financial year, into the fifth quarter, or 'Q5', from which the company derives its name. Over the following decade, the consultancy has supported clients across several industries, providing services including media, financial services, retail, professional services and government consulting, among others.

Now as the firm celebrates its 10th year in business, Q5 has been named as the only member of the consulting industry to be honoured by this year’s Queen's Awards for Enterprise. Being lauded in the International Trade category, the firm – which has offices in London, Leeds, Hong Kong, Melbourne, New York and Sydney – picked up the prize for Outstanding Short Term Growth in overseas sales over the last three years.

Commenting on the victory, Olly Purnell, Managing Partner, added, "It's glorious news for everyone associated with our firm... 10 years ago, as we brainstormed what we wanted our firm to be like, we recalled Red Adair whose company tackled many of the major oil well fires during the '70s and '80s. Red and his crew flew in to tackle difficult problems as they arose, directly at the point-of-need. We aspired to become the consulting equivalent… Fortunately, we've discovered that many CEOs like to engage niche consulting firms who act as quick, fresh and responsive partners. We are proud that our global success has been recognised." 

The Queen’s Award can be displayed for up to five years and, being from Her Majesty, is regarded as one of the most exclusive and prestigious awards for a UK company to win. It will be presented by the Lord Lieutenant of the County and members of the team will be invited to Buckingham Palace for an Award Winners Reception in June.

Applications for the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise 2020 are now open and close on 10 September 2019. They are free to enter, and it is a self-nominating process. Winners in the International Trade category receive a year's FREE membership to the IOE&IT.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise.