This year, 252 businesses representing every part of the United Kingdom and a diverse range of sectors have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country. A total of 257 Awards are made with five companies being recognised with two Awards.

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

Businesses like these are central to delivering on one of the Government’s five priorities to grow our economy – from creating new opportunities and supporting people into work through to developing new innovations and exporting the best of Britain around the world.

Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.

“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”

This year’s recipients include:

Timpson Group, who have received the award for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility for their work providing training and employment opportunities to marginalised groups

Halo Solutions Ltd, producers of lifesaving crowd safety and security software invented by former national counter-terrorism police officer Lloyd Major, who wanted to improve emergency communications, safety and security in venues and public spaces after the Manchester Arena bombing. Halo Solutions have been recognised in the Innovation category of the King’s Awards.

James Timpson OBE, CEO of Timpson Group said: “As a business, we are delighted and honoured to have received the Kings Award, in the category of Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. We have received this award due to being one of the largest employers of ex-offenders, and others who face barriers to employment in the UK. The work that we undertake in the Timpson Foundation enables us to provide prison leavers and other marginalized groups with a second chance, through the offer of employment.

“By being such an inclusive employer, not only are we able to recruit some amazing people into our business, but we also help to reduce re-offending, which in turn creates fewer victims of crime. Without doubt, none of this would be possible without the support and generosity of spirit of our wonderful colleagues, who embody our culture of kindness and compassion. We are very proud to have been given this award and it reflects all our hard work and dedication to giving people second chances. We hope it inspires others to do the same.”

Lloyd Major, CEO of Halo Solutions said: “Halo is in the business of protecting people. Anywhere the public gather, from train stations to football stadiums, festivals to universities and everywhere in-between, it takes great communication and co-ordination of information and resources to keep them safe. The Halo system is the software that connects everything together to enhance public safety and to help protect everyone.

“It was a huge honour for Halo to also play a role in both the state funeral of Her Majesty and also at the coronation concert for King Charles III.

“Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise is a stunning recognition of the hard work we do in this space as a British tech company to bring innovative software to the operational environments that need it most.  We have an amazing team – who along with our amazing clients - are dedicated and committed to protecting the public and keeping them safe in public spaces.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

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

• Innovation (59)
• International trade (161)
• Sustainable development (29)
• Promoting opportunity through social mobility (8)

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year.

Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. The recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector and senior officials in Whitehall.

On that basis, each year, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister.