Applications for the UK’s most prestigious business awards are open until 8 September, offering five years of national recognition to successful applicants
Somerset businesses with a strong record of achievement are being encouraged to apply for The King’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business awards, before applications close in September. For eligible businesses, the awards offer a rare chance to secure recognition that can shape a company’s reputation, growth and staff morale for years to come.
What the awards recognise
The King’s Awards for Enterprise recognise outstanding achievement by UK businesses across five categories: young founder, innovation, international trade, sustainability, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Organisations can apply for more than one category in a single year, and each category has its own specific entry criteria, from demonstrated commercial growth to evidence of environmental or social impact.
What winning means for a business
Businesses that receive an award are invited to a Royal reception and presented with the award at their company by one of The King’s representatives, a Lord-Lieutenant. Winners can fly The King’s Awards flag at their main office and use the emblem across their marketing materials, including packaging, advertising, stationery and their website, and receive an official Grant of Appointment along with a commemorative trophy. The award remains valid for five years.
Past recipients have reported a range of tangible benefits, including worldwide recognition, increased commercial value, access to wider export markets, greater press coverage and a boost to staff morale, benefits that can be especially valuable for ambitious SMEs looking to grow their profile beyond the region.
Who can apply
To be eligible, an organisation must be based in the UK, including the Channel Islands and Isle of Man, have a good compliance record with government departments such as HMRC, operate as a self-contained enterprise managing its own accounts, and employ at least two full-time UK staff or part-time equivalents. Applicants must also be able to demonstrate strong environmental, social and governance practices. Businesses, non-profits and public sector organisations are all eligible to apply.
Why it’s worth considering
For businesses that have genuinely pushed themselves, whether through innovation, export growth, sustainability or supporting people into work, this is a chance to have that achievement formally recognised at a national level, with lasting credibility that can support future growth, recruitment and client confidence.
Key dates
Applications for the 2027 awards are open now and close at 1pm on Tuesday 8 September 2026. The application process involves creating an account, checking organisational details, and answering eligibility questions, which typically takes less than 15 minutes.
Businesses considering an application are encouraged to review the full eligibility criteria for their chosen category before applying.
