The winners of the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 have been announced, as international traders won the majority of awards in this year’s list.
Over 197 winners have been announced, with 116 of those winning in the international trade sector.
Additionally, 88% of the winning businesses were SMEs, with 27 of the total being micro-businesses that employ less than 10 people.
The full list of winners can be found here.
Consistent growth
The King’s Award for international trade is given to companies that have made a minimum of £100,000 from international sales in their first year of entry, have achieved “outstanding” growth in overseas earnings relative to their size and shown year-on-year growth for at least three years.
There are three other categories in the awards: innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity. A pair of businesses, Sonardyne International and Delta Fire, won in two categories.
Winners receive an invite to a royal reception where a Lord-Lieutenant of the King presents them with an award. The successful firms are then able to display the King’s Awards logo and to fly a flag with the award emblem outside their business premises.
From services to manufacturing
The achievements of both goods and services exporters were recognised in the awards.
Brightsun Travel, a holiday firm, was among the winners for their “outstanding international growth”, while Enovation Consulting was rewarded for its work, which offers to “accelerate sustainability in sport”.
Other sectors in which the UK is a leading provider saw recognition too, with Frontier Medical Group, a specialist medical device provider, also taking home an international trade award.
Meteorological instrument makers Gill Instruments also triumphed, reflecting the UK’s strengths in specialist manufacturing. CEO Alan Brooke said it reflected an “ongoing commitment to delivering high-quality products and services to our customers around the world”.
Exports minister Gareth Thomas said:
“Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent.
“I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
‘Incredible achievement’
Winners of the awards receive a complimentary year’s membership of the Chartered Institute of Export & International Trade.
Marco Forgione, the director general of the Chartered Institute, said that winning the award is an “incredible achievement” and congratulated the winners.
“As a partner of the initiative, the Chartered Institute knows how competitive and challenging the application process can be. The award is evidence of you and your team’s outstanding success.
“The Chartered Institute was founded with a mission to empower businesses and equip individuals with the expertise needed to trade successfully. By winning this award, you are invited to be part of this mission.
“Joining the Chartered Institute gives you the opportunity to connect with fellow award-winning exporters, the chance to get support from our industry-leading experts and an invite to join us in our advocacy work with governments home and abroad.”
