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The King’s Awards for Enterprise celebrates 60 years with new Young Founder category

A total of 186 businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands received awards this year.

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The recipients of the 2026 The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, marking the 60th anniversary of the business awards programme.

A total of 186 businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands received awards this year, recognising achievements in international trade, innovation, sustainability and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

This year also sees the launch of a new category, The King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder, created to recognise entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30 who are actively leading businesses and driving growth and opportunity.

The new category forms part of the Government’s Small Business Plan and is intended to support the next generation of business leaders.

Among this year’s recipients, Bristol-based Tailfin Ltd received recognition in two separate categories.

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Overall, 76 awards were presented for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity.

The awards continue to be dominated by smaller businesses, with 164 awards (89%) going to small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and 24 awards (13%) going to micro-businesses employing 10 people or fewer.

Originally established in 1965 and first awarded in 1966, the programme has recognised more than 8,000 UK businesses over the past six decades.

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Formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, the honours were renamed in 2022 to reflect King Charles III’s continuation of the scheme.

Recipients will receive their awards from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants during local ceremonies throughout the year, while one representative from each winning business will also be invited to a Royal reception.

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Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said: “A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.

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“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”

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