Latest news with #King'sAwardsforEnterprise
Business News Wales
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Brand Hatchers Wins King's Award for International Trade
Brand Hatchers has been awarded the King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade. Founded by Emily Griffiths and her father Chris Howarth, Cardiff-based Brand Hatchers has grown from a family-led startup into a global business, now selling products in more than 36 countries. Its flagship brand Brain Blasterz is the leading sour candy brand across Europe and the Middle East, while its fast-growing e-commerce brands – Nurture by Nature (self-care and wellness) and Guitar Lab (musical accessories) – are category leaders on Amazon UK, US, and EU. 'Winning the King's Award is a huge moment – not just for us as a business, but for the people and values behind it,' said Emily Griffiths, co-founder and CEO. 'We built this company with an international mindset from the start, and to now be recognised at this level is an incredible honour. 'I'm incredibly proud to lead a company that proves ambition, and compassion can go hand in hand. Our flexible workplace policies don't just support our team – they make it possible for me to juggle leadership and family life too. We're showing that you can grow internationally without compromising on people, culture or purpose. 'This award is also a testament to the hard work, creativity and dedication of our amazing team in Cardiff. Every success we've had has been driven by their energy and belief in what we're building – I'm incredibly grateful to work alongside such talented and passionate people. 'Working with such a wide variety of markets and clients is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do,' Emily said. 'It keeps us learning, evolving, and pushing forward.' The King's Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen's Awards, are the highest official UK awards for British businesses. As a recipient, Brand Hatchers will now be entitled to use the King's Awards emblem for the next five years – a mark of outstanding achievement in international trade.
Powys County Times
10-05-2025
- Automotive
- Powys County Times
Powys' Stashed Products celebrates innovation award
A Powys bike storage company has reacted with delight after it was the only business in Wales to be recognised for its innovation in a major awards scheme. Stashed Products, based in Abermule, was one of 197 organisations across the UK to receive the award. But it was the only company in Wales to win the King's Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category. It was recognised for its SpaceRail bike storage system, which uses a modular, overhead rail system to hang, slide, spin, and store bikes. The system aims to reduce storage space, protect bikes from damage, and display them. Stashed Products was founded in 2021 and designs storage systems for "active enthusiasts." Founder Elliot Tanner said: "We're incredibly proud to receive the King's Award for Innovation. "SpaceRail began as a sketch in a garage — born from the frustration of storing multiple bikes in a tight space. "To be recognised at a national level is a huge honour and a reflection of the passion, engineering and team behind the product. "To be the only recipient in Wales in the Innovation category is incredible." The King's Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, were renamed in 2023 to reflect King Charles' desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. Now in its 59th year, the award is the most prestigious business honour in the country, with winners entitled to use the King's Awards Emblem for the next five years.
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Glamour campsite wins Guernsey's first King's award
A campsite has become the first Guernsey company to be given The King's Award for des Reves won the Sustainable Development category for its "eco-friendly practices and materials".The business, in St Peter's, joins 198 other companies nationwide which have been recognised for outstanding achievement in various King's Awards for Enterprise are considered a royal seal of approval for Britain's "most outstanding businesses", and allows them to display the award flag. The awards were launched as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise in Barnes, co-owner of Camp de Reves, will attend a reception at Windsor Castle hosted by King Charles III to celebrate the Barnes, also a co-owner, said: "We are so pleased to receive this incredible recognition for all the hard work we've put into creating Camp de Reves."This award affirms our dedication to sustainability and the positive impact we strive to have on both our community and the natural world."Deputy Steve Falla, vice-president of the committee for economic development, said: "To be recognised by the King in this way speaks volumes for the quality of what the Barnes family has created in St Peter's."This award is good for the business, it's good for tourism and it's good for Guernsey."I hope that the other Guernsey businesses which submitted entries will try again and that more will be encouraged to do so next year."
BBC News
06-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Northampton online retailer wins King's Award for enterprise
An online business that began with only £10 has been recognised with a King's Award for enterprise in international trade. Sol Retail, based in Northampton, was founded in 2012 by husband-and-wife team Barry and Katy Tong, and started by selling ornaments and DVDs on eBay. It is now ranked among the top 100 sellers on Amazon UK and the EU. The King's Awards for Enterprise celebrate outstanding achievements by UK Tong, CEO of Sol Retail, said: "This award is a landmark, not just for Sol Retail, but for the vision and perseverance that's brought us here. When we started the business in a flat with £10... we never imagined we'd be where we are today." The business started when Mr Tong had to clear his grandmother's bungalow after she had passed partner, now wife, Katy, suggested putting them items on eBay and the business there the company began selling more products online in the UK, and the overseas, with Mr Tong leaving his job in 2013 to work on the business full Sol Retail supports health, beauty and wellness brands sell and market products online, as well as retailing its own items and now has sales of nearly £20m per sells products via Amazon across the world, as well as in Walmart in the US and other retailers in the UK including it works with include Ted Baker, Yardley and King of its commercial growth, Sol Retail donates to charities including Northampton-based Lewis Foundation, which provides gift packs to adult cancer patients in hospitals across Northamptonshire and the includes giving over £500,000 in unwanted stock to the Lewis Foundation to sell in its Tong added: "The King's Award for Enterprise recognises the passion, grit and innovative thinking that our team bring to the table every single day, and it marks just the beginning of our journey to £50 million and beyond."Two other Northamptonshire firms also received the Kings Award: Enovation Consulting Ltd, a management agency in Silverstone, and Ziggurat XYZ Ltd, a talent and creative agency in Northampton. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scotsman
06-05-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
King's Awards for Enterprise 2025: The 11 Scottish businesses recognised by King Charles
'There are some excellent Scottish businesses recognised in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise' – Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... A private tour operator, a whisky glass maker and an engineering specialist that has become a market leader in water treatment technologies are among 11 Scottish recipients announced in the latest King's Awards for Enterprise. Businesses from South Lanarkshire to the Highlands have been recognised in what is one of the UK's most prestigious business awards. The winners fall into three categories - innovation, international trade and 'promoting opportunity'. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including biotech, tourism and the spirits industry, and are based around the country. They have been recognised by the King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity and success of the UK's diverse business community. The awards were formerly known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and have been running for almost six decades now. Team members at Ross-shire Engineering (RSE), which was awarded for its innovation. Three Scottish companies - Glencairn Crystal Studio, Gray & Adams and Ross-shire Engineering (RSE) - were awarded for their innovative practices, seven for their achievements - Aydya, Fennex, Impact Subsea, Occupancy Marketing, Rabbie's Trail Burners, Rubberatkins and Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services - in international trade and one, ACS Clothing, for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Gareth Thomas, minister for services, small businesses and exports, said: 'There are some excellent Scottish businesses recognised in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise: from Impact Subsea's cutting-edge technology to Glencairn Crystal's premium glassware. '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 Scotland and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Scotland Office minister Kirsty McNeill said: 'Huge congratulations go to all 11 Scottish winners of the King's Awards for Enterprise. Innovative companies like these are a key part of our plan for change - vital to delivering economic growth in Scotland, along with good, skilled jobs. It is amazing to see such business drive and flair right across Scotland.' Scott Davidson, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal. Picture: Ferla Paolo Photography This year's recipients from Scotland include Glencairn Crystal Studio, which is based in East Kilbride and specialises in the design, creation and supply of premium drinks packaging. The firm has been recognised in the awards' innovation category. Scott Davidson, new product development director at Glencairn Crystal, said: 'We are truly honoured and thrilled to have received the King's Award. As a family run business for over 40 years, we have a valued team of talented employees and innovation is at the core of everything we do. 'This award is a testament to the passion, creativity, and dedication of everyone here at Glencairn Crystal, and to our mission of pushing the boundaries of what is possible in glassware.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Ross-shire Engineering (RSE), which was founded in 1982 and is based in Muir of Ord, designs and manufactures products and provides services for purifying drinking water, recycling wastewater and treating industrial process water. It now employs more than 2,000 people at engineering and manufacturing sites in several locations across the UK. RSE chief executive Steve Slessor said: 'The King's Award is the most prestigious business award a UK company can receive. It's a tremendous honour and a recognition of the technical expertise and innovation we've developed over more than 40 years. 'We are proud to be a company rooted in the Highlands, supported by several generations of local families. Creating skilled, sustainable employment in rural communities remains central to our purpose.' Aberdeen-based Impact Subsea, which specialises in sonar and sensor systems for underwater vehicles and associated applications, was recognised in the international trade category. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Managing director Benedict Grant said: 'Receiving the King's Award is an incredible honour and a testament to the hard work, dedication and innovation of the entire Impact Subsea team. It's a proud moment for us, recognising our commitment to excellence and our success in expanding our reach in the global, subsea technology sector. This award inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the world stage.' The King's Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect the King's desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The awards programme, now in its 59th year, has recognised more than 8,000 companies since its inception. 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. Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients have to pass a robust assessment process, and are judged by experts from the industry, including a representative from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, academia, the voluntary sector and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, the awards recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Recipients are permitted to fly the King's Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on marketing materials. Recipients are also given a grant of appointment - an official certificate - and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for five years. Charandeep Singh, judge for the King's Awards for Enterprise and deputy chief executive at the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: 'It was a real privilege to see the incredible innovation and impact coming from businesses across Scotland. 'The calibre of this year's Scottish winners was truly inspiring, and they are shining examples of what's possible when ambition meets purpose. I would strongly encourage more Scottish businesses to put themselves forward for this prestigious award. It's a fantastic opportunity to gain national recognition and showcase the outstanding entrepreneurship happening right here in Scotland.'
