Firms urged to aim for first-ever King’s Awards for Enterprise

Companies in Herefordshire are invited to an event to launch the first ever King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.

Tricia Thomas DL, chair of King’s Awards for Enterprise Herefordshire, will host the event on May 18 at the Shell Store on Skylon Park in Hereford. 

It has been organised by the Herefordshire Lieutenancy and will also be attended by previous winners of the Queens Award for Enterprise.

Tricia said: “These will be the first enterprise awards since the sad death of HM The Queen, so they will be the first to bear the King’s name. 

“Winning a King’s Award for Enterprise will be a huge boost for any business, and I know we have lots of firms in Herefordshire who are worthy of the accolade. 

“The launch event will be chance to find out about the awards, the entry categories and the application process. There will also be an opportunity to hear from previous Herefordshire winners about what it means to receive an award, as well as network with other county businesses.  

“The event is free and open to everyone, so I look forward to seeing as many people there as possible.” 

Speakers will include Lord-Lieutenant Edward Harley OBE; Anita Lloyd, co-director of 2021 winner Lloyd Engineering; Jon and Melissa Melton, directors of 2022 winner Momentum Pharma Ltd and Sonia Roberts, CEO and founder of 2021 winner Landau. Sonia is also chair of the Marches Local Enterprise Partnership which is supporting the KAE across Herefordshire and Shropshire. 

Refreshments will be provided by Robinsons Cider and the Shell Store.

Register here for a free ticket, or for all other inquiries, email Tricia Thomas via info@herefordshirekae.org  

Applications for the awards open on May 6 – the day of King Charles III’s coronation – and close in early September.

To be eligible, companies must be based in the UK, have at least two full time UK employees or part-time equivalents, file its company tax returns with HMRC, be a self-contained enterprise that markets its own products or services under its own management and demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility. 

Winners are invited to a royal reception and receive a special crystal trophy presented by the Lord Lieutenant. They are also entitled to fly the award flag and use the logo in marketing materials for five years.