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Applications are open for a 2026 King’s Awards honour




Applications for the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise are now officially open.

Recognised globally as a mark of excellence, the King’s Awards for Enterprise offer recipients a unique Royal endorsement that sets them apart in both domestic and international markets.

William Playford managing director of Giocoguado Ltd. (T/A 9Barista) receives the King's Award from Julie Spence His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. Picture: Keith Heppell
William Playford managing director of Giocoguado Ltd. (T/A 9Barista) receives the King's Award from Julie Spence His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire. Picture: Keith Heppell

The awards honour outstanding UK businesses across four key categories – innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility).

There were 20 East of England recipients in 2025, including five from the Cambridge region.

The five were:

- Costello Medical Consulting, a Cambridge-based independent global consultancy specialising in scientific support for the analysis, interpretation, and communication of clinical and health economic data. Costello’s award was in the International Trade category

- Global Graphics Software, a Cambourne-based company known for its digital printing and document technology, winners of an Innovation award

- GT Engine Services, a Stansted-based company providing jet engine maintenance and storage solutions, winners of an International Trade award

Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence, at a previous King’s Award presentation at Harry Specters Chocolates Picture: Keith Heppell
Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Julie Spence, at a previous King’s Award presentation at Harry Specters Chocolates                   Picture: Keith Heppell

- Wonde, a bespoke software, IT support, and digital marketing company based in the East of England with offices in Cambridge, Wymondham, and Great Yarmouth, winners in the Promoting Opportunity category

- Data Conversion Systems, a leading provider of data and software solutions, who won in the Innovation category.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence, said: “As Lord-Lieutenant, I want the best in the county to get the recognition and business benefits they deserve from the King’s Award for Enterprise, the highest accolade for British business in the United Kingdom.

“It is a true hallmark of quality and excellence – and one which has positive benefits for the business itself and our local and national economy.”

Applications are welcomed from businesses of all sizes.

Almath Crucibles at Burrough Green who have been awared a Kings Award for Enterprise by Julie Spence His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire seen being presented to Director Michael Misson. Picture: Keith Heppell
Almath Crucibles at Burrough Green who have been awared a Kings Award for Enterprise by Julie Spence His Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire seen being presented to Director Michael Misson. Picture: Keith Heppell

In 2025, 88 per cent of the 197 award recipients were small and medium-sized enterprises, including 27 micro-businesses with ten or fewer employees, highlighting the accessibility and inclusivity of the programme. Organisations may also apply for more than one category.

Award recipients are granted the right to use the esteemed Royal Emblem for five years, which may be displayed on websites, marketing materials, uniforms, and company vehicles.

Recipients are also invited to a Royal Reception in the summer.

Applications can be made from now until 9 September here, or via email to kingsawards@businessandtrade.gov.uk.



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