King’s Awards for Enterprise have marked their 60th anniversary with the announcement of this year’s recipients, celebrating businesses across the UK and Channel Islands for their role in driving innovation, trade, sustainability and social mobility.

A total of 186 awards were issued, reflecting the breadth and dynamism of British enterprise at a time when economic growth remains a central government priority.

The milestone underscores the enduring legacy of the programme, first established in 1965 and awarded in 1966, which has since recognised more than 8,000 businesses. This year’s honours highlight companies operating across diverse sectors, with 76 awards granted for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity. Bristol-based Tailfin Ltd emerged as a standout recipient, securing recognition in two categories and reinforcing the depth of innovation among UK firms.

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, extended his congratulations to all the businesses receiving awards this year, noting that they have once again demonstrated the very best of British innovation and talent.

“These awards show that right across UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding, and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
Blair McDougall

A defining feature of this year’s awards is the dominance of small and medium-sized enterprises, which accounted for 164 of the 186 honours, equivalent to 89%. Within that group, 24 micro-businesses employing 10 people or fewer were recognised, underlining the critical role smaller firms play in job creation, innovation and regional economic activity. Their prominence aligns closely with the government’s broader growth agenda, which places SMEs at the centre of efforts to expand opportunity and increase productivity.

To reflect the changing nature of entrepreneurship, a new category, the King’s Award for Enterprise, Young Founder, has been introduced. This category is designed to recognise business leaders aged 18 to 30 who are actively driving growth.

The awards also come amid a series of policy initiatives aimed at strengthening the business environment. Recent measures to tackle late payments, an issue linked to the closure of dozens of firms each day, have been coupled with expanded financial support, including a £4 billion boost to improve access to finance for SMEs and entrepreneurs.

Formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the programme was renamed four years ago to continue its legacy under the current monarch while maintaining its core mission of recognising excellence in UK business.

The awards remain one of the most prestigious honours available to companies, offering not only recognition but also enhanced credibility and visibility in both domestic and international markets.

Recipients will be formally presented with their awards by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants, who act as the monarch’s representatives across the UK. Presentations will take place locally throughout the year, ensuring that achievements are recognised within their communities. In addition, one representative from each winning business will be invited to attend a special Royal reception.

Regional Firms Earn Royal Recognition for Trade and Social Impact

Some regional businesses have been recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, underlining the role of local companies in driving both economic growth and social progress across the UK. Thermserve, a thermal product specialist based in Telford, and Market Drayton construction firm Fowler & Gilbert were honoured in the categories of international trade and promoting opportunity through social mobility, respectively.

Managing Director of Thermserve, Steven Hodgkiss, said, “This is a major achievement for Thermserve,” he added, “Winning the award for the fourth time – and specifically for international trade – is a testament to the strength of our global strategy and the dedication of our team.”

“We’ve seen a significant increase in demand from overseas markets, particularly in the Middle East and North America, where we continue to build strong, long-term partnerships.
Steven Hodgkiss

Thermserve’s latest recognition marks its fourth King’s Award, reflecting sustained growth in export activity and a strengthening presence in key international markets. The company, which supplies specialist thermal solutions to the metals industry, said the award follows a “significant uplift” in demand abroad, particularly across the Middle East and North America, where it has expanded long-term commercial relationships.

In contrast, Fowler & Gilbert’s award highlights the growing importance of social impact within the business landscape. The company, which designs and constructs steel-framed industrial, agricultural, equestrian and commercial buildings, was recognised for its commitment to widening access to engineering careers through apprenticeships, inclusive hiring practices and active community engagement.

Having grown from modest beginnings in a small cabin in Middlewich to a workforce of around 50 employees, the firm has increasingly focused on developing future talent through structured training pathways, including T-level placements and work experience schemes. This approach, it says, supports both long-term business growth and broader community development.

According to the company, “by delivering both social and organisational impact, our initiative secures long-term business growth while making a meaningful contribution to local economic resilience and community development. It represents a forward-thinking model of inclusive workforce development.”