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Objectives of Fund

The purpose of The King's Award for Enterprise – Innovation is to recognise and encourage commercial success resulting from outstanding innovative achievements in the United Kingdom, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

Business units must be able to demonstrate substantial improvement in business performance and commercial success, to levels that are outstanding for the size of the applicant's operations. Businesses may apply under the following:

• Outstanding innovation, sustained over not less than two years.
• Continuous innovation and development, sustained over not less than five years.

Winners will be:

• Invited to a Royal reception.
• Presented with the award by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant.
• Able to fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office, and use the emblem on their marketing materials (for example, on packaging, advertisements, stationery and website).
• Given a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy.

Value Notes

The King's Award for Enterprise is seen as the most prestigious corporate accolade that a UK business can win. These independent awards are given for five years and are an esteemed form of approval.

In addition to corporate recognition, applicants will also get the following benefits:

• Winning an award is an opportunity to prove to customers and suppliers just how successful the business is. It is an independent endorsement of the quality of a company.
• The Awards Office hosts a celebratory reception for the winners, with a congratulatory speech usually given by a member of the royal family.
• The King normally invites members of each winning business unit to an event reception at Buckingham Palace.
• It can boost sales - some winners have reported increased turnover of up to 30% as The Award raises a company's profile and encourages more customers to choose their business.
• Open doors - to new suppliers, customers, investors and partners. The Award tells them the company has credibility and should be taken seriously.
• An Award instils confidence and pride in employees throughout the organisation. Many companies use the presentation ceremony to celebrate with their staff and thank them for their contribution and commitment.

Who Can Apply

Any United Kingdom 'Business Unit' whether large, medium or small which produces goods or provides services can be considered for an award if it carries out activities which meet the specified criteria. 'Business Unit' means any identifiable and cohesive organisation operating regularly as a unit of the UK economy and having a number of partners or employees (at least the equivalent of two working full-time). The business must employee at least two people.

The term United Kingdom, used above, includes the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

A significant quantity of the work should be attributable to the applicant. It may be appropriate to apply jointly if collaboration was with another UK company.

Restrictions

The award is not given to individuals.

Location

United Kingdom, including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man

Award Categories

The Award recognises commercial success resulting from outstanding innovative achievements.

Achievement may be assessed in any of the following fields:

• Outstanding innovation, resulting in substantial improvement in business performance and commercial success, sustained over not less than two years.
• Continuous innovation and development, resulting in substantial improvement in business performance and commercial success, sustained over not less than five years.

Achievements under either criterion may be accessed in any of the following fields:

• The invention, design, production (in respect of goods).
• Performance (in respect of services, including advice).
• Marketing and/or distribution.
• After-sale support of goods or services.

How To Apply

This programme operates on an annual basis.

The deadline for applications for the 2026 round of awards is 9 September 2025 (13:00).

Applications are made online.

More details are available at the King's Award for Enterprise website Information & Apply