Firms and organisations in Wales have been recognised for their vital contribution to economic growth and improving lives in the King’s Awards for Enterprise. A total of 186 awards have been conferred to firms and organisations across the UK, with 76 businesses recognised for international trade, 52 for innovation, 36 for sustainability, and 22 for promoting opportunity through social mobility.
In Wales, six recipients have been honoured. Wrexham-based Air Covers, which specialises in designing and manufacturing protective covers for civil and military aircraft, boats, and vehicles, receives an award for international trade. Pontypridd-based Laser Wire Solutions, a world leader in laser wire stripping, and Llanelli-based DIG International Group, an international civil engineering contractor focused on infrastructure and surface mining, are also recognised for international trade.
The Neath-based Safety Letterbox Company, which designs, manufactures, and supplies mailboxes and parcel boxes, is recognised for innovation. King’s Awards for sustainability have been awarded to Swansea-based Bionema Group, an agritech venture pioneering the replacement of pesticides and fertilisers with biologicals that protect crops, soil, and biodiversity, as well as the Wales Millennium Centre, an artistic venue for embedding sustainability across its operations.
Government Praise for Award Winners
Blair McDougall, UK Government 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. 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.”
Out of the 186 awards, 164 (89%) went to SMEs, and of those, 24 (13%) are micro-businesses with 10 employees or fewer. The King’s Awards for Enterprise are marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating 60 years since the first awards were conferred in 1966. Formerly known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, since their inception more than 8,000 British businesses have been recognised with this royal accolade.
