The King’s Awards for Enterprise is an initiative that aims to recognise outstanding achievements by British-based businesses. Thousands of businesses have been recognised by the scheme since its inception in 1965 – then as the Queen’s Award for Industry. Winners are eligible to use the Award branding on their packaging and stationery, and in their marketing for five years after winning.  

There are four different Award categories, each of which entails specific eligibility criteria to win:

  • International Trade, for businesses with strong overseas sales;

  • Innovation, for businesses that have brought new, commercially successful products to market; 

  • Sustainable Development, for businesses that have demonstrated positive environmental impact;

  • Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility, for businesses that have helped individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to improve their job skills and their likelihood of finding work.

Applications for the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise closed on 9 September, 2025 and winners will receive their awards in Summer 2026. Applications will open for the 2027 Awards in Spring 2026.

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This entry was written by Eamonn Ives. Eamonn is the Research Director of The Entrepreneurs Network. Subscribe to Perennial Gale, their weekly newsletter on all things policy and entrepreneurship. Follow Eamonn on X at @eamonnives.