Sixteen East Midlands companies named in King’s Awards for Enterprise
Some 16 companies from across the East Midlands have been revealed as recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise.
Seven businesses were recognised in the International Trade category, five for Innovation, two for Sustainable Development and two for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
East Midlands recipients:
| Garner Aluminium Extrusions – Innovation |
| Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) – Innovation |
| Abacus Flooring Solutions – Innovation |
| Structural Adhesives – Innovation |
| GeoPura – Innovation |
| Collaborate & Innovate – International Trade |
| Cabinzero – International Trade |
| Enovation Consulting – International Trade |
| Stephensons Online – International Trade |
| Ziggurat XYZ – International Trade |
| Abacus Lighting – International Trade |
| Midland Aerospace – International Trade |
| Upbeat Enterprise – Promoting Opportunity |
| Bridgeway Consulting – Promoting Opportunity |
| David Nieper – Sustainable Development |
| Michael Smith Switchgear – Sustainable Development |
East Midlands companies react
Andrew Cunningham, CEO and Founder of GeoPura, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise. It’s a powerful recognition of the hard work, innovation, and commitment of the entire GeoPura team. At a time when the need for clean, reliable energy has never been greater, this award supports the use of green hydrogen to
GeoPura
phase out toxic and environment damaging fuels such as diesel, petrol, and HVO.
“Designed in the East Midlands, our Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) are delivering scalable, dependable, zero-emission electricity, wherever and whenever it’s needed, cutting carbon and life destroying emissions, improving local air quality, and enabling sustainable development across the UK and beyond.”
Christopher Nieper OBE, Managing Director of David Nieper, said: “It’s a huge privilege to win a Kings award for sustainable development for the second time. And I’m grateful to The King’s award team for spurring us on to save more energy, employ more local people and build British fashion skills here in Derbyshire. Thank you.”
Michael Gladwell, managing director of Upbeat Clean, said: “Our team are delighted to be recognised by the King for combining excellent cleaning with life-changing employment.
“We knew before we started that there was huge potential in partnering with refugee women who have fled horrific situations with their children, giving them an opportunity not only to work, but to realise their full potential and take on management and leadership roles.
“They’ve done that amazingly, thanks to the incredible support from over 40 Derby companies who are using their budgets to get excellent cleaning and change lives.”
Sean Smith, managing director of Michael Smith Switchgear, said: “It’s great for our team to see their hard work recognised at the highest level. This has never been a box-ticking exercise for us, it’s an area in which we really want to lead change.”
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “There are some outstanding East Midlands businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from the pioneering technology of GeoPura to the expert and sustainably focused craftsmanship of David Nieper.
“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in the East Midlands and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
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 winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
