The King’s Awards for Enterprise in 2024 honored 252 outstanding UK companies for excellence in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and social mobility. The prestigious accolades were announced Monday, celebrating Britain’s leading business achievements.
“I congratulate the recipients…who exemplify the talent, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of British business,”
proclaimed Enterprise Minister Kevin Hollinrake, likely flashing a subtle but stylish smile.
Multi-Talented Firms Take Double Honors
Standing out amidst the distinguished honorees, five firms earned the rare distinction of not one, but two prestigious accolades.
Halo Solutions, producers of groundbreaking crowd safety and security software born from the tragic Manchester Arena bombing, secured awards for both Innovation and International Trade.
Meanwhile, the Timpson Group, a household name in household repairs, was doubly recognized for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility and International Trade for its pioneering work providing training and jobs to formerly incarcerated people and marginalized groups.
“We help reduce re-offending, which creates fewer victims of crime… We hope it inspires others to do the same,”
said CEO James Timpson OBE.
Overall, an impressive 161 businesses were lauded for International Trade excellence, 59 for innovative breakthroughs, 29 for sustainable development leadership, and 8 for outstanding social mobility initiatives.
| Category | Winners |
|---|---|
| International Trade | 161 |
| Innovation | 59 |
| Sustainable Development | 29 |
| Promoting Opportunity | 8 |
Stringent Vetting, Regal Stamp of Approval
The highly-coveted King’s Awards emerge from a stringent vetting process assessed by government experts across academia, industry and civil society. On this basis, each year’s crop of honorees is recommended by the Prime Minister to receive the regal imprimatur.
“Winning the King’s Award is stunning recognition of the hard work we do as a British tech company,”
said Lloyd Major, CEO of award-winning Halo Solutions. His firm aided security for both the late Queen’s funeral and King Charles’ coronation events.
Since its renaming from the Queen’s Awards last year, the program, now in its 58th year, has recognized over 7,000 elite UK enterprises since its inception in 1965.
Final Thoughts
With accolades bestowed, the herculean task begins anew for Britain’s entrepreneurial elite – to raise the bar even higher. But if this year’s honorees across innovation, trade, sustainability and social impact are any indication, the future of UK business remains as radiant as the royal crown jewels themselves.
Explore the full list of 2024’s elite honorees at www.gov.uk/kings-awards and follow future award cycles.
Sources: THX News, Department for Business and Trade & Kevin Hollinrake MP.
