The King's Awards for Enterprise
The Awards recognise and encourage the outstanding achievements of UK businesses in the fields of:
- Innovation - Proven commercial success over at least two years through innovative design, products or services.
- International Trade - Demonstrating growth in overseas sales and earnings.
- Sustainable Development - Outstanding sustainable development for more than 2 years and proven benefits or positive outcomes of actions or interventions.
- Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility) - Having a social mobility programme running for at least two years, supporting disadvantaged people improve their jobs skills and chances of finding work
Benefits of winning the Award
Winners receive a range of benefits including worldwide recognition and extensive press coverage. They are also invited to attend a Buckingham Palace reception and can use the Awards Emblem as an internationally recognised endorsement for 5 years. The award itself is presented locally, usually by HM Lord-Lieutenant.
King’s Award for Enterprise 2023
On 21 April, it was announced that four organisations in Cumbria had received a King’s Award for Enterprise
Clark Door Limited in Carlisle, First Milk Lake District Creamery in Aspatria, Fruugo.com Ltd in Ulverston and OEE Container Technology Ltd in Carlisle
HM Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mrs Claire Hensman said:
‘There is a high bar to meet the requirements for a King’s Award. We do have some excellent innovative and enterprising companies in Cumbria, and it is so pleasing to see some in the lists this year. The Award brings benefits as it is seen as a gold standard and is internationally prestigious’
Please find below the links to the 2023 winners' websites:
Clark Door Limited Carlisle - Innovation category
Fruugo.com Limited, Ulverston - International Trade category
OEE Container Technology Limited, Carlisle - International Trade category
First Milk, Aspatria - Sustainable Development category
How to apply for the 2024 Awards
The 2024 Awards application period started on 6 May 2023 and closes at 1pm on 12 September 2023. Shortlisted organisations will be notified in October 2023. March 2024 sees the successful organisations being notified and the successful organisations will be announced in the London Gazette on 6 May 2024.
There is no entry fee.
All entry forms, eligibility criteria and information on how to apply is available on The King's Award for Enterprise website.
Find out more
Working together with Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, we have created a podcast about The King's Awards for Enterprise.
Featuring Deputy Lieutenant, Mr Bryan Gray and previous winners, The Lakes Free Range Egg Company and Clark Door, the podcast has lots of useful information and top tips about applying for a King's Awards for Enterprise.
Get in touch
The Lieutenancy Office may be able to offer advice and mentoring to eligible applicants in the completion of the online application form.
If you would like to speak to us about your potential application, please contact us by email at: lieutenant@cumbria.gov.uk and we will be happy to assist.
Alternatively, to contact The King's Awards Office directly, call their helpline on:
Telephone: 020 7215 6880 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm)