King’s Awards for Enterprise regional winners revealed
Nineteen Yorkshire and Humber firms have won King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The awards recognise outstanding success in innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunities through social mobility.
Winners are invited to a royal reception and will be able to display the King’s Award flag at their office, as well as using the award logo on their marketing materials for five years.
Nat6ionally, 161 businesses won awards this year. Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”
The regional winners are:
International Trade
Ossila
Ossila, founded by University of Sheffield scientists in 2009, manufactures and supplies laboratory equipment and chemical materials for scientific research. It now employs more than 50 people across the UK, the Netherlands, and India, while its manufacturing and distribution hub remains in Sheffield. It previously won the Queen’s Award in 2018.
Managing director Dr. James Kingsley said, “We are incredibly proud to receive this award for a second time. It recognizes our steadfast commitment to fostering collaboration across the organic electronics industry, enabling scientists around the globe to develop renewable energy solutions to the biggest problem society has ever faced. This award was achieved through the exceptional effort and skill of the Ossila team, alongside the continuous support from our customers around the world.”
Restrap
Restrap’s workshop in Leeds
Founded in his back bedroom by keen cyclist Nathan Hughes in 2010, Restrap now has a large workshop in Leeds where it makes cycling and bikepacking accessories. As well as selling cycling bags and clothing directly through its website, its products are stocked in Europe, North America, Asia, Africa and Australia.
The firm issued a statement saying, “This award is not the end of our journey but a milestone, inspiring us to continue pushing boundaries, upholding our values and expanding our reach. With this achievement, we look forward to further innovation and growth, knowing that our passion and dedication will continue to drive us forward in providing cyclists with the best possible products for their travels.”
Wrendale Designs
Artist Hannah Dale founded Wrendale Designs at her kitchen table in Melton Ross, North Lincolnshire, in 2012. The firm now makes creating cards, gifts, clothing and accessories featuring her nature-themed art and designs, sold through their website and an international network of stockists.
Ashley Bolser Agency
A full service digital agency founded in Leeds in 2001. Bolser’s blue-chip clients include Microsoft, Minecraft, Budweiser, KFC, Macdonalds and more.
Founder and managing director Ashley Bolser said, We’re incredibly honoured. Winning a King’s Award is not just about our outstanding international growth, but what fuelled it. We go beyond in everything we do, delivering world-class work and it’s a real testament to the team’s diligence and commitment.”
He added, “But this was no easy feat. The Award asks many questions of the business, from how we conduct ourselves to our financial stability and even our contribution to society and the environment. Increasingly we’re finding the world is looking to the UK for creative and tech talent and it’s fast becoming one of our greatest exports. Geography is now less of a barrier than ever and it’s a powerful signal to the industry that we have the skills to match, if not exceed, companies internationally – and we’re proud to be recognised for it.”
Highfield Awarding Body for Compliance
Doncaster-based Highfield Qualifications is global leader in compliance and work-based learning and apprenticeship qualifications, opffering a diverse range of work-rel;ated qualifications across multiple sectors.
Zetechtics
Undersea electronics specialist Zetechtics makes control systems and accessories for remote-operated vehicles for the global energy industry. The firm, headwuarterd in Matlon, was founded in 1993. It became a global market leader after the launch of its line of Jupiter Control Systems in 1998, which sparked rapid growth.
Advanced Alloy Services
Advanced Alloy Services supplies high-temperature pure metals, superalloys and alloys, primarily to the aerospace, exploration and medical industries. The firm was founded in 1993 and now operates from a 44,000 spare foot facility on the former colliery at Dinnington.
ICD Europe
A Sheffield firm specialising in metals, superalloys and alloys, and in powders for additive manufacturing. Last month is announced its subsidiary ICD Superalloys Australia would build Australia’s first superalloy processing centre, which should be operational by the end of June.
Managing director MD Wayne Hawkes said, “This recognition, following our Queen’s Award just three years ago, is a remarkable testament to our team’s dedication and hard work in driving international trade. It solidifies our commitment to expanding our global reach and impact, and we are truly honoured to receive this double distinction”
Accu
Holmfirth-based Accu supplies engineering components from microscrews for prosthetics to nuts and bolts suitable for nuclear reactors. The firm, founded in 2012, has become a leading global supplier.
SBD Apparel
Agata Sitko – female winner of the 2024 SBD Sheffield Powerlifting Championships
SBD, based in Rotherham, specialises in sports clothing and accessories aimed weightlifters and strength athletes. Its products are stocked worldwide by a network of retailers on every continent.
Commercial director William Islip said, “We are honoured to be awarded the prestigious Kings Award for Enterprise this year. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of all stakeholders within our business, and the incredible teams that we have built here at SBD Apparel over the past 11 years.”
Carramore International
Carramore, based in Holmfirth, provides product sourcing and logistics to support medical and life science research in lower middle income countries./ It won a Queens Award in the same category in 2019.
C-Kore Systems
A York firm specialising in providing tools for subsea testing, fault-finding, construction and decomissioning. C-Kore was originally a part of fellow award winner Zetechtics, but spun out as a separate company in 2012. It previously won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2021, and the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2019.
Innovation
Safespaces (Cornholme)
The Todmorden-based company provides customised beds and spaces designed for young people with complex needs including autism and epilepsy. Its products are used in family homes, schools, hospitals and for travel.
Managing director, Stephen Curran, said: “We are delighted to have been recognised with a King’s Award for Enterprise. This is a true testament to the hard work and dedication of our team in supporting individuals with complex needs.
“We’re committed to driving innovation in creating spaces and beds that truly make a difference in people’s lives. We are honoured to be among the select few recognised for our innovative work and we remain determined in our mission to provide safe, sensory-friendly environments that enhance the well-being of our users.”
Warrendale Wagyu
Established in 2017, this is a York-based Wagyu Beef Business, currently working with over 800 farmer partners across the UK. It produces its Wagyu beef from a dairy cow, which means it has a lower environmental footprint than traditional beef.
Gripple
Gripple is a manufacturer of wire joiners and tensioners for agriculture, suspension solutions for construction and various engineered solutions for civil, solar and other infrastructure applications. It employs over 950 people across 18 global locations and manufactures across seven sites in Sheffield.
Managing director Ed Stubbs said, “Gripple is all about doing more. That means empowering our people to push boundaries and deliver better solutions for the markets we
service. Innovations like Fast Trak, designed by engineers, for engineers, are crucial to driving the industry forward. Solving the challenges facing our customers and delivering efficient
and sustainable solutions is what drives us. Success for them means success for us.
“We are delighted to have been recognised for this commitment by his Majesty the King.”
Advanced Manufacturing (Sheffield)
Founded by Dr Gareth Morgan in 2008, the company was the first ever spin out of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC). It is is an advanced manufacturing supplier specialising in the development of precision components and production services for a number of blue-chip clients.
Incremental Solutions
A York-based business which develops and delivers data-driven software solutions and location tracking systems to the rail industry. Its products helps reduce disruption and delays on the rail network through an efficient and accurate flow of information.
Chief executive Dan Lee-Bursnall said, “We are honoured to receive the Kings Award for Enterprise: Innovation Award. It is testament to the hard work of the whole Incremental team in delivering continuous innovation with railway safety, resilience and performance. We could also like to take the opportunity to thank our clients and collaboration partners for their ongoing support.”
Sustainable Development
Spinko
Harrison Spinks Beds, of Leeds, was first established in 1840. It manufactures luxury mattresses under the Harrison Spinks, Somnus, and Spink & Edgar brands nationally and internationally. Trading as Spinko, its most recent award for Sustainable Development adds to its two current King’s Awards for Innovation and International Trade and previously awarded Queen’s Awards, bringing the total number achieved by the business to eight.
Simon Spinks, chairman, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development is a tremendous honour, especially after previously holding a Queen’s Award in this category, and it reflects the unwavering dedication of our whole team’s efforts to be the UK’s most responsible bedmaker.
“As a proud British manufacturer, this award win is testament to our commitment to driving the business forward through industry-leading responsible business practices that also enrich the lives of our colleagues and communities.
“Whether it’s actively encouraging biodiversity on our farms, supporting children’s bed charity Zarach with mattresses each month for children and families in poverty, or helping our employees achieve a better work-life balance by introducing a compressed four-day working week, we know the importance of making a positive difference to the world around us.
The Bio-D Company
Lloyd Atkin
Established in 1989, Hull-based Bio-D is an independent green cleaning product manufacturer. B Corp certified since 2022, it makes environmentally responsible, ethically sound, vegan cleaning products.
Lloyd Atkin, managing director, said: “We are both honoured and delighted to receive such a prestigious award.
“Having spent 35 years dedicating ourselves to sustainability and reducing the impact of our products and operations on our precious and fragile environment, it is wonderful to be recognised for our efforts.”
Heather Nixon, sustainability, NPD and regulatory manager: added: “I am absolutely thrilled with this latest award, confirming the hard work we do on our sustainability journey.
“To be recognised in this way by such a prestigious award is a tribute to good leadership and the efforts of the whole team.
“Sustainability has to be a key focus in all our businesses as an ethical way forward and to reach Net Zero.”
