252 Recipients Announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise - the UK’s Most Prestigious Business Awards. Five Businesses Recognized in Two Categories This Year.

The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [Monday 6 May], celebrating the achievements of UK businesses.

This year, 252 businesses from every corner of the United Kingdom and spanning a diverse range of sectors have been honored by His Majesty The King as some of the best in the country. A total of 257 Awards have been granted, with five companies receiving recognition in two categories.

161 businesses were acknowledged in the International Trade category, 59 for Innovation, 29 for Sustainable Development, and 8 for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.

These businesses play a pivotal role in advancing one of the Government’s key priorities to bolster our economy - from fostering new opportunities and facilitating employment to fostering innovation and promoting British exports worldwide.

Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said:

I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who embody the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial ethos of British business.

I wish them continued success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to both local and international communities, furthering the growth of the UK economy.

This year’s honorees include:

Timpson Group, recognized for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility for their commendable efforts in providing training and employment opportunities to marginalized groups. Halo Solutions Ltd, creators of life-saving crowd safety and security software, developed by former national counter-terrorism police officer Lloyd Major, aiming to enhance emergency communications, safety, and security in public venues and spaces post the Manchester Arena bombing. Halo Solutions has been lauded in the Innovation category of The King’s Awards. James Timpson OBE, CEO of Timpson Group, remarked:

As a company, we are honored and delighted to receive the King's Award in the category of Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. This recognition is a testament to our status as one of the largest employers of ex-offenders and other disadvantaged individuals in the UK. Through the work of the Timpson Foundation, we strive to offer employment opportunities to prison leavers and other marginalized groups, providing them with a second chance at life.

By being an inclusive employer, we not only attract exceptional individuals to our workforce but also contribute to reducing re-offending rates, thereby creating fewer victims of crime. None of this would be possible without the unwavering support and generosity of our dedicated colleagues, who embody our ethos of kindness and compassion. We are immensely proud to receive this award, which reflects our relentless dedication and commitment to providing individuals with second chances. We hope it serves as an inspiration to others to do the same.

Lloyd Major, CEO of Halo Solutions, commented:

Halo is dedicated to protecting people. Whether it's train stations, football stadiums, festivals, or universities, ensuring public safety requires seamless communication and coordination of information and resources. The Halo system serves as the software backbone that integrates all these elements to enhance public safety and security for everyone.

It is a tremendous honor for Halo to have played a role in both the state funeral of Her Majesty and the coronation concert for King Charles III.

Receiving The King’s Award for Enterprise is a remarkable acknowledgment of our tireless efforts as a British tech company to deliver innovative software solutions to critical operational environments. We owe this achievement to our exceptional team, who, alongside our valued clients, remain dedicated and committed to safeguarding the public in public spaces.

Previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, The King’s Awards for Enterprise were renamed last year to honor the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognizing outstanding UK businesses. Now in its 58th year, the Awards program has honored over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

This year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise are conferred for outstanding achievement in:

Innovation (59) International trade (161) Sustainable development (29) Promoting opportunity through social mobility (8) The Awards will be presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants to businesses locally throughout the year.

Eligible businesses are encouraged to apply for one or more categories. Recipients undergo a rigorous assessment process, evaluated by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, and senior officials in Whitehall.

Based on this assessment, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are annually recommended by the Prime Minister.

The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette: https://www.thegazette.co.uk/awards-and-accreditation/content/kings-awards-for-enterprise-2024