Seven Welsh recipients have been announced among a list of 186 winners of The King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The Awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognise their contribution to economic growth and improving lives.
This year marks a significant milestone for the Awards, as they celebrate 60 years since the first honours were conferred in 1966. Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses, highlighting the strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise.
The Welsh recipients this year are:
- Safety Letter Box Company Limited – Innovation.
- Air Covers Ltd – International Trade.
- DIG International Group Ltd – International Trade.
- Laser Wire Solutions Ltd – International Trade.
- Dragonheart Homes Ltd – Promoting Opportunity.
- Bionema Group Limited – Sustainability.
- Wales Millennium Centre – Sustainability.
To mark the anniversary year – and to ensure the Awards continue to reflect the evolving landscape of UK business – a new category has been introduced: The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder. Created as part of the Department for Business and Trade’s Small Business Plan, the Award will recognise founders aged 18–30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.
A total of 186 awards have been issued with one company, Bristol-based Tailfin Ltd, being recognised for two Awards. The Awards span a diverse range of sectors and celebrate the ambition, ingenuity, and success of the UK’s business community.
Overall, 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said:
“A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.
“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
Out of the 186 awards, 164 (89%) went to SMEs, and of those, 24 (13%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.
Formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the programme was renamed four years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s wish to continue the remarkable legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising the very best of UK business.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each successful business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
