The King’s Awards for Enterprise

The King’s Awards for Enterprise – https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise – are the most prestigious awards for businesses, recognising and celebrating business excellence across the UK. The recipients of the awards demonstrate outstanding success in their respective fields of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

His Majesty The King personally approves the Awards and the Department for Business and Trade publicly announce the recipients on 21st April. From 2024, recipients will be announced on 6th May, to mark His Majesty The King’s Coronation.

Award recipients often state that their achievement has opened new doors for them in terms of securing new contracts, venturing into new markets, and further developing their business. If successful in receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise, the organisation receives a Grant of Appointment, and is able to display the award emblem for up to 5 years, and access to a thriving alumni network of previous award recipients!

The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, and the new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

Applications for the 2024 round are now open, and close midday 12th September. Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. Recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector and senior officials in Whitehall. The Greater Manchester Lieutenancy are here to support all applicants, and we also have previous winners available as mentors to help applicants also.

The Awards are open to all UK based organisations with two or more employees. 90% of the recipients are SMEs but big businesses like KPMG, The Co-op, Holland and Barrett and JCB also recognise the importance and the benefits of these Awards.

Now, more than ever, is a vital time for great UK businesses to be celebrated and recognised.