1. HM Lord-Lieutenant of East Sussex
  2. Honours and awards
  3. The King’s Award for Enterprise

The King’s Award for Enterprise

The King’s Award for Enterprise is the most prestigious business award in the UK.

The award celebrates outstanding achievement in four categories:

  • innovation
  • international trade
  • sustainable development
  • promoting opportunity through social mobility

The award was created in 1965 and renamed following the Accession of King Charles III. By attaching His Majesty’s name to these awards, The King is continuing Queen Elizabeth’s legacy of recognising the significant contribution of volunteers.

The awards process

Both businesses and non-profit enterprises can enter. It is free to take part, and you can apply for more than one category.

There are a range of entry criteria to be met in order to apply.

The awardees will be announced on 6 May 2024, the anniversary of HM The King’s Coronation.

Successful winners

The Lord-Lieutenant presenting a Queen's Award for Enterprise
Hummingbird Sensing Technology receiving the award in 2022

Winners are:

  • invited to a Royal reception
  • able to fly The King’s Awards flag at the business main office, and use the emblem on marketing materials
  • given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy

The awards are valid for five years.

After the awards are announced, the Lord-Lieutenant presents the award to the successful businesses on behalf of HM The King.

East Sussex winners

In 2023, Focus SB Ltd was successful in gaining a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of International Trade. Their award was presented to them by Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal during a visit to the organisation.

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HRH The Princess Royal presenting Gary Stevens (Managing Director) with the King's Award for Enterprise - October 2023