Lieutenancy briefs business leaders on King's award

Local business leaders attending a breakfast briefing in Clydebank, have received a presentation on the King’s Award for Enterprise from one of Dunbartonshire’s Deputy Lieutenants.

The KAE is an awards programme for British businesses and other organizations who excel at international trade, innovation, sustainable development or promoting opportunity. The KAE are the highest official UK awards for British businesses. The Dumbarton Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast briefing at the Golden Jubilee Hospital was addressed by Elliot Witherow DL who gave a brief overview on the Lieutenancy, the role of the Lord Lieutenant and explained how they represent the Crown covering such diverse activities as armed forces day and Remembrance to 100th Birthday celebrations with Investitures, Citizenship and award ceremonies in between. Elliot then moved onto a presentation about the KAE, explaining the history of the award since inception in 1965 and how 7000 business have received an award over its lifetime, the award categories, benefits of winning, eligibility, life cycle and the application process.

The Award is made in four categories, innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity (through social mobility.) Successful businesses can use the KAE emblem for five years in company literature and marketing material and are invited to a Royal reception. Many previous winners have reported increased international turnover.

The application process for 2026 runs until 9 September 2025, with winners advised in May 2026. The award is open to UK based safe contained business, have a good compliance record with HMRC and at least 2 full time or part time equivalent staff. The application process is online at The King's Awards for Enterprise: About the awards - GOV.UK