{"id":2111413,"date":"2026-05-06T07:48:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T06:48:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/westmidlands\/?p=2111413"},"modified":"2026-05-06T07:48:54","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T06:48:54","slug":"west-midlands-businesses-honoured-in-king%e2%80%99s-awards-3","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thebusinessdesk.com\/westmidlands\/news\/2111413-west-midlands-businesses-honoured-in-king%e2%80%99s-awards-3","title":{"rendered":"West Midlands businesses honoured in King\u2019s Awards"},"content":{"rendered":"

The West Midlands has seen 15 of its businesses recognised in this year\u2019s The King\u2019s Awards for Enterprise<\/span><\/span>, as the scheme marks its 60th anniversary.<\/p>\n

A total of 186 awards have been announced across the UK and Channel Islands, highlighting the contribution of businesses to economic growth, innovation and job creation.<\/p>\n

Now in its milestone year, the awards programme – first established in 1965 and recognising winners since 1966 – has honoured more than 8,000 businesses over six decades. It remains the UK\u2019s most prestigious business accolade, with winners able to use the King\u2019s Awards emblem for five years.<\/p>\n

This year also sees the introduction of a new category, The King\u2019s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder, aimed at recognising entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 who are leading and growing impactful businesses.<\/p>\n

Across the UK, awards were granted in four main categories, including International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.<\/p>\n

Small and medium-sized enterprises made up the majority of winners, accounting for 89% of awards, underlining the role of smaller firms in driving economic activity.<\/p>\n

Blair McDougall, Minister for small businesses and economic transformation said: \u201cA huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent. These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it\u2019s only right that we champion these successes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The awards are presented locally by His Majesty\u2019s Lord Lieutenants, with representatives from winning businesses also invited to a Royal reception later in the year.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what West Midlands companies told TheBusinessDesk.com about winning the award:<\/strong><\/p>\n

Among this year\u2019s regional winners is Warwickshire-based RYSE 3D, led by founder Mitchell Barnes, who has become one of the youngest recipients to secure two King\u2019s Awards.<\/p>\n

The business, which supplies high-performance components to hypercar, aerospace, defence and energy sectors, has seen rapid international growth, with global sales rising sharply in recent years and annual turnover approaching \u00a35m.<\/p>\n

Barnes said: \u201cTo win one King\u2019s Award is special, to win a second for our efforts in growing the business overseas is mind-blowing – I still can’t quite believe it.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I first started in additive manufacturing, I wanted to prove that we could go from prototyping into series production and that’s exactly what we’ve done\u2026 Importantly, we wanted to demonstrate that we could take UK technology and export it as something international firms want. The last three years have proved this was the right approach.\u201d<\/p>\n

Other West Midlands businesses recognised for International Trade include Lyngard Ltd, Spectra Group (UK) Ltd, Woolcool and Thermserve, reflecting strong export performance across manufacturing, communications and specialist engineering.<\/p>\n

In the Innovation category, winners include 3P innovation, Active Tunnelling Ltd and The Key Safe Company. The latter was recognised for its access control technology, with CEO and founder David Ogden saying: \u201cThis achievement reflects 30 years dedication and commitment from our staff, both past and present; delivering the very best key safes and access control solutions. The King’s Award is a tremendous honour and we congratulate all of this year’s other winners.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"

Steven Owen<\/p><\/div>\n

Pave-Aways, headquartered in Shropshire, was recognised for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility, following the success of its \u2018Looking After Our Workforce\u2019 initiative, which has supported nearly 500 people into training, employment and career progression.<\/p>\n

Managing director Steven Owen said: \u201cReceiving the email confirming the King’s Award for Enterprise was a proud moment, not just personally but for everyone who has contributed to the journey.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe’ve always been clear that opportunity is not just about entry into work; it is about progression, upskilling and actively supporting people to move forward\u2026 This approach has so far supported nearly 500 people and the King’s Award is in recognition of each and every one of those success stories.\u201d<\/p>\n

Additional organisations recognised for Promoting Opportunity include Evtec Automotive, hydraPower dynamics, Sandwell College, Fowler & Gilbert Ltd and The Midcounties Co-operative, highlighting a strong regional focus on skills development and inclusive employment.<\/p>\n

Evtec Automotive was recognised for its inclusive approach to manufacturing and workforce development. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Hubbard said: \u201cEvtec is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious King\u2019s Award for Enterprise\u2026 Our teams are stronger, more inclusive, loyal, and our business is better because of it.\u201d<\/p>\n

hydraPower dynamics was recognised for its collaboration with education providers. Managing Director Patrick Browne said: \u201cReceiving this award is a proud moment for everyone at hydraPower Dynamics\u2026 This award reinforces the value of that collaboration and our ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of talent.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sandwell College was also recognised for its role in supporting progression into employment. CEO and Principal Lisa Capper MBE said: \u201cWe are deeply honoured and immensely proud to receive the King\u2019s Award for Enterprise. Together we are creating innovative pathways into industry, raising aspirations, and growing the pipeline of vital skills for the future.\u201d<\/p>\n

In the Sustainability category, Little Soap Company and OLPRO were among the regional winners, reflecting growing emphasis on environmentally responsible business practices.<\/p>\n

Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr Derrick Anderson CBE, said the regional winners reflected strong leadership and long-term commitment to social impact, adding that the assessment process \u201cis rigorous and exacting\u201d and underpins the global credibility of the award.<\/p>\n

He noted that recipients \u201chave gone above and beyond in their support of the next generation\u201d and highlighted the role of the awards in supporting growth, skills development and international opportunity for UK businesses.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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