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

The King's Awards for Enterprise

What are they?

Introduced by Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the King's Awards for Enterprise are an awards programme for British businesses and are the highest accolade for business success, honouring outstanding UK companies. The awards were made annually by HM The Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister assisted by an Advisory Committee that includes representatives of Government, industry and commerce, and the trade unions. They are made to businesses who have demonstrated outstanding success and contribution in one of 4 different categories:

• International trade
• Innovation
• Sustainable development
• Promoting opportunity through social mobility

Who can apply?

Any business can apply if they can demonstrate their eligibility, as detailed at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise and summarised as follows:

• International trade: proven growth in overseas earnings.

• Innovation: proven commercial success through innovative products and services.

• Sustainable development: proven success in integrating environmental, social, economic and management aspects of sustainable development into their businesses

• Promoting opportunity through social mobility: proven success in supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds in improving their skills and their chances of finding work

How do I apply?

Applications should be made online at www.gov.uk/queens-awards-for-enterprise/how-to-apply. The application window opens on 1 May annually and closes mid September (the actual date may vary each year but will be published on the website) with successful organisations being notified in April the following year. It is free to enter and businesses can apply for an award in more than one category.

Is there any other help available to me?

If you require any help, support or assistance in compiling your nomination, it is readily available through the King's Awards for Enterprise committee of the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy and the Lieutenancy Officer, maggiehendrie@eastdunbarton.gov.uk who will put you directly in touch with the Committee Chairman.

What happens next?

Successful organisations, along with their nominees, will be informed shortly before the public announcement. They will then be invited to a reception in Buckingham Palace in July and the Lord-Lieutenant of Dunbartonshire, on behalf of His Majesty the King, will present the award locally at a later date.

The awards are valid for 5 years; your organisation will be able to fly The Award flag at your main office and use the emblem on your marketing material. You will also be given a Grant of Appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.