The first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today (21 April), celebrating the achievements of UK businesses, with 12 awards bestowed on Yorkshire & Humber companies.
Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the first ever recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The Award programme, now in its 57th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
This year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise are given for outstanding achievement in Innovation, International trade, Sustainable development, and Promoting opportunity (through social mobility).
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year.
The recipients from Yorkshire include:
Innovation
Ascendant Solutions – Doncaster
Conductive Transfers – Barnsley
Fuel Storage Solutions – Thornton
Loadhog – Sheffield
Senior Architectural Systems – Denaby Main
Harrison Spinks – Leeds
International trade
Akula Living – Wetherby
Bettys & Taylors Group – Harrogate
Harrison Spinks – Leeds
LabLogic Group Holdings, Sheffield
Sustainable development
Naturaw Pet Food – Wetherby
The Green Estate CIC – Sheffield
Chris Broadbent, director, Naturaw Pet Food, said: “To receive the Kings Award for Enterprise is a huge, huge honour for us, and a testament to our team’s hard work and resilience over the last few years in an incredibly challenging and unprecedented climate.”
Jess Warneken, co-founder, added: “Sustainability has always been at the heart of our entire business ethos, we have always gone the extra mile to do things better. We’re so passionate about the way we conduct ourselves as a company, firmly believing we can have a commercially successful business that is also socially and environmentally conscious. To be recognised in this way with such a prestigious award is a proud moment.”
Simon Spinks, chairman of Harrison Spinks, said: “It is a huge honour to be recognised with two inaugural King’s Awards this year, which sit proudly alongside the Queen’s Award we hold for Sustainable Development. These awards are a reflection of the hard work the team has delivered, ensuring we are constantly championing innovation and high-quality, sustainable design.
“From an international trade perspective, we’re proud that our British values of sustainable innovation and quality have truly set us up for success in a global marketplace.
“These awards are especially important to us as a British business – we are a company that champions homemade and homegrown materials; supports businesses that manufacture in the UK; and one which works with organisations such as British Wool on campaigns like the Traceable Wool Scheme.
“Our team has put in a lot of hard work this year and we’re proud this has been recognised with an award for International Trade. We’re also thrilled to have been awarded the title for Innovation as we continue to be industry leaders while maintaining the highest standards of production.”
Darren Kelk, Managing Director, Ascendant Solutions, said: “The King’s Award for Innovation is one of the highest accolades any business can receive, and the success we’ve achieved illustrates the vital role small businesses like Ascendant Solutions Ltd has within this market.”
