East of England winners of King’s Awards almost double last year’s total

That is nearly twice the number of winners from the region last year and a concerted drive is already underway to further increase the level of entries in future years.

But it is the range of enterprises covered by the Awards that is most impressive, demonstrating the export expertise that the UK so urgently needs in a tough macro-economic environment.

The winners are all innovators but the majority fly the flag for general industry & business when one might have expected domination by hi-tech and life science interests. In that regard, the pantheon of this year’s winners reflects a breadth of excellence from construction to aviation and all manner of logistics specialisms.

There are some lovely stories behind the headlines. The Palace knows a thing or two about a Royal Flush and Cambridge-headquartered Thermoteknix has a full hand of King’s and Queen’s Awards – five in all now –after being honoured with a prize for Innovation.

Its award this year is for a night-time Augmented Reality head-up display delivering covert team situational awareness, navigation and target information. The company is a global innovator in thermal imaging, night vision and Augmented Reality applications across a wide range of applications.

Multi Award-winning Essex company Kestrel Liner Agencies Ltd in Stansted was among the International Trade category champions – feted for providing high-class and ‘Specialist global logistics to niche markets for all cargo types/services with excellence of customer service,’ according to the citation.

This is a very special year for the company, commemorating its Founder and CEO’s 60th birthday, 30 years of Kestrel in the UK and 21 years of Kestrel in Miami. Andy Thorne’s visionary leadership has propelled Kestrel to fresh heights.

SelectTech Ltd in Billericay, Essex wins an International Trade award as ‘The leading provider of (ERP) Microsoft Dynamics 365 and SAP consultants internationally across Europe.’

Atlantic Pacific Global Logistics Ltd in Basildon wins an International Trade Award. It is said to have ‘An experienced team of logistics professionals, with a global office network/warehouses in strategic locations.’

There was the sweet taste of success for Harry Specters Ltd in Ely for ‘Promoting Opportunity.’ The judges said: ‘Harry Specters crafts award-winning chocolates while empowering autistic individuals through employment, training and work experience.’

Co-founders of Harry Specters, Mona and Shaz Shah said: “We are thrilled and honoured to receive this award, recognising the work we do in promoting employment for autistic people.

“We are grateful to our amazing team, partners, and wonderful customers for championing our cause, as without their dedication this would not have been possible.

“Through this award, we hope we can inspire other businesses to prioritise diversity, inclusion, and social impact, forging the way for a more equitable and inclusive future.”

Basildon-based RSS International was a winner for ‘Delivering excellent road safety and enforcement services across the globe.’

O.C.O Technology Ltd in Suffolk was a Sustainable Development winner, lauded for ‘Driving the circular economy by capturing CO2 and transforming waste materials into new construction products.’ The company also has Norfolk operations.

Another Norfolk success saw Harford Attachments in Norwich win an International Trade accolade for ‘Premium quality excavator attachments which promote on-site safety and improve productivity in worldwide construction markets.’

‘A pumpless espresso machine with innovative temperature control system, extending service life and reducing material consumption’ helped Cambridge’s Giocoguado Ltd win an Innovation category King’s Award.

It’s been quite a fortnight for Endomagnetics, better known as Endomag and a pioneer in the field of breast cancer technology, which was an International Trade winner; the Cambridge Science Park business also announced that was in the process of being acquired by US company Hologic Inc for $310 million.

Endomag is praised for its minimally-invasive surgical guidance system which is said to provide a better standard of breast cancer care.

Phos Ltd from Hatfield and Braintree-based Airline Component Services Ltd won International Trade awards. Phos is described as ‘A network of international distributors to represent and sell our British manufactured lighting instruments.’

Airline Component Services is cited as ‘leading global specialist supplier of commercial aircraft rotable Flying Controls, nacelles and structural components.’

Herts company Prop Store clearly hit the right note with judges as it won an International Trade award. The judges said: ‘Prop Store specialises in the international trade of authentic film, television, and music memorabilia.’

Back with the high flyers and Titan Airways in Essex won an International Trade award as a ‘Leading independent UK airline, providing passenger and cargo air charter and lease services worldwide.’

Herts-based Willmott Dixon, based in Letchworth, won a Sustainable Development accolade for ‘Delivering low-carbon buildings that blend innovative design with sustainable construction to benefit people and planet.’

Also in Letchworth, DLRC Ltd wins an International Trade Award and is described as ‘A leading global consultancy providing regulatory excellence to Pharma and Medtech companies of all sizes.’

And another Herts-based business, CRM Team Global in Bishop’s Stortford, was an International Trade winner as ‘Provider of apps and professional services that accelerate efficiencies and growth in companies using Salesforce.’

Biggleswade company Smith Myers Communications was named as an Innovation category winner with ‘A system used by SAR aircraft to turn any mobile phone into a rescue beacon.’

There was another winner from Essex in Skysmart MRO Ltd, based in Great Dunmow, which was described as: ‘A world-leading aircraft component repair facility supporting the global fleet of Boeing and Airbus aircraft.’

bf1systems Limited in Diss won an Innovation prize for its ‘2.4GHz based, Tyre Pressure and Temperature Monitoring System delivering high-accuracy data for performance vehicles globally.’

Cambridge Precision Ltd won in the International Trade sector; judges toasted ‘High quality manufacture of complex precision-engineered components, to enable critical technologies and support world-leading innovation.’

Almath Crucibles Ltd in Newmarket wins for Innovation, notably ‘The research and development of high purity fully vitrified MgO ceramics for the nuclear industry.’

A Sustainable Development award goes to Colchester-based Climbing Trees Online Marketing in Essex. ‘Climbing Trees cares as much about the planet as we do about digital marketing campaigns,’the company told judges.

Stevenage business Esprit Digital Ltd is toasted in the International Trade segment as ‘Manufacturers of best-in-class LED and LCD screen solutions for any commercial indoor or outdoor application.’

Loughton-based European Pharma Consulting (EPC) Ltd wins an International Trade Award. It is described as ‘A leading, international, product development and regulatory consulting group serving the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.’

Suffolk-based Burland Technology Ltd, based in Great Blakenham near Ipswich, was another International Trade winner for the ‘Design, manufacture and supply of power, data, AV, distribution, connectivity and cable management products.’

Sentry Aero Spares Ltd in Watford was another International Trade champion, hailed as ‘Global leader in the supply of aircraft spare-parts to the airline industry.’

Ipeco Holdings in Southend won a ‘Promoting Opportunity’ award: Judges said: ‘Ipeco’s engineering training programme realises potential in young people, providing secure employment and career development.’

Broadwater Mouldings in Beccles was another International Trade winner: The firm is described as ‘Composites partner to international healthcare, passenger transport, industrial equipment, distribution and airport baggage systems OEMs.’

Muntons plc in Stowmarket is a Sustainable Development winner for ‘Producing 100 per cent sustainable malt and malted ingredients, reducing carbon emissions from grain to glass.’

Essex-based Dura Composites, anchored in Clacton, won an Innovation Award. The company is feted for a ‘Uniquely designed heavy duty anti-slip structural walkway grating providing 33 per cent carbon and weight savings.’

International Trade winner Verifile in Bedford is cited as the ‘UK’s leading partner for global background checks, supporting employers recruit from a worldwide talent pool.’

Frugalpac in Ipswich is an Innovation sector winner for what is cited as the ‘World’s first and only commercially-available paper bottle for wine and spirits, decarbonising the drinks industry.’

CEO Malcom Waugh said: “It’s a great honour to have our pioneering work recognised at this highest level. Our Ipswich team is passionate about finding innovative low carbon solutions to reduce the impact of incumbent packaging on our planet and this award is all down to them.

“Working with like-minded stakeholders around the world, we’re realising our vision of establishing Frugal Bottle hubs to produce our paper bottles to help decarbonise the global wine and spirits industry.

“Our goal continues to be to save the planet one bottle at a time by cutting the carbon footprint of wine and spirits bottles by 84 per cent.”

Mobilityways Ltd in Norwich takes a Sustainable Development accolade for a ‘Ground-breaking climate technology, empowering employers to measure, reduce and report their Scope 3 commuter emissions.’

International Trade winner John Mason International Limited, based in Hemel, is described as ‘The UK’s leading international moving and relocation service.’

Colchester company Direct Meats is another International Trade champion and is said to have ‘An experienced team of logistics professionals, with a global office network/warehouses in strategic locations.’

There is also recognition in the International Trade section for academia through the University of Hertfordshire Corporation in Hatfield, said to be the ‘Largest international student recruiter from post 92 Universities.’

Local winners help ‘sell’ Best of Britain concept globally, says Enterprise Minister

Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake has paid tribute to winners of King’s Awards for Enterprise – both regionally and nationally. He said the winning businesses were central to delivering on the Government’s priority to grow the economy – from creating new opportunities and supporting people into work through to developing fresh innovations and exporting the ‘best of Britain’ around the world.

The Minister said: “This year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients showcase the incredible business talent in the East of England.

“From the inspiring work of Harry Specters in Ely to empower autistic individuals in work to the innovative thinking of Frugalpac in Ipswich in decarbonising the drinks industry. 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.”

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 honoured more than 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

This year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise are given for outstanding achievement in: Innovation; International trade; Sustainable development and Promoting opportunity through social mobility. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year.

Eligible companies are able 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.

The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.

Recipients are permitted to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem on their marketing materials. They are also given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy. The awards are valid for five years.

Awards will be officially conferred in due course by a Grant of Appointment made under royal warrant.

• Applications for The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025 opened on May 6 2024. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise