The King's Awards for Enterprise

About the awards

The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious awards for business. They were first established in 1965 as The Queen’s Award to Industry, created by the late Duke of Edinburgh to recognise outstanding UK companies. The programme has evolved significantly over the decades, becoming a nationally and internationally respected mark of excellence.

In 2023, the awards were renamed The King’s Awards for Enterprise to reflect His Majesty The King’s wish to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and maintain the long‑standing tradition of celebrating exceptional British businesses.

What happens if your organisation receives an award

If you get an award you’ll be:

• invited to a royal reception
• presented with the award at your company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant
• permitted to fly The King’s Awards flag at your main office, and use the emblem on your marketing materials (for example, on your packaging, advertisements, stationery and website)
• given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative trophy

The awards are valid for 5 years.

Organisations that have received an award see benefits including:

• worldwide recognition
• increased commercial value
• greater press coverage
• boost to staff morale

What the awards recognise

The awards celebrate outstanding achievement across several categories. There are now 5 categories, following the addition of the Young Founder category.

Royal role and official approvals

This royal endorsement is at the heart of what makes the awards so respected both in the UK and internationally:

• His Majesty The King personally approves each year’s list of award recipients, following recommendations put forward by the Prime Minister
• recommendations are developed through a rigorous assessment and judging process involving expert panels and independent assessors
• successful organisations receive a Grant of Appointment, presented locally by a Lord-Lieutenant, The King’s representative in each county
• recipients are also invited to attend a Royal Reception

Since the Awards began in 1965, more than 8,000 companies have been recognised.

Featured recipient highlights