The King’s Award for Enterprise
The King’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the UK.
The award celebrates outstanding achievement in four categories:
- innovation
- international trade
- sustainable development
- promoting opportunity through social mobility
The award was created in 1965 and renamed following the Accession of King Charles III. By attaching His Majesty’s name to these awards, The King is continuing Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of recognising the significant contribution of volunteers.
The awards process
Both businesses and non-profit enterprises can enter. It is free to take part, and you can apply for more than one category.
There are a range of entry criteria to be met in order to apply.
The awardees will be announced on 6 May, the anniversary of HM The King’s Coronation.
Key dates for the diary
- 6 May 2024
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Application window opens
- 12 September 2024 at 2pm
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Application window closes
- 28 October 2024
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Shortlisted and unsuccessful organisations notified
- 14 November 2024
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Shortlisted organisations for international trade and innovation categories are asked to provide verified commercial figures
- End of March 2025
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Successful organisations notified and unsuccessful organisations receive feedback
- 6 May 2025
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Successful organisations officially announced in the London Gazette
- Summer 2025
-
Royal reception held for award recipients
Successful winners
Winners are:
- invited to a Royal reception
- able to fly The King’s Awards flag at the business main office, and use the emblem on marketing materials
- given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy
The awards are valid for five years.
After the awards are announced, the Lord-Lieutenant presents the award to the successful businesses on behalf of HM The King.
East Sussex winners
In 2023, Focus SB Ltd was successful in gaining a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. Their award was presented to them by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during a visit to the organisation.
