The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced, celebrating the achievements of UK businesses, including numerous East Midlands firms.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme, now in its 58th year, has awarded over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965. His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year.
Businesses are recognised for International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.
Minister for Enterprise Kevin Hollinrake said: “I congratulate the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who exemplify the talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
“I wish them every success and commend the invaluable contributions they make to communities both at home and overseas, helping to grow the UK economy.”
The recipients from the East Midlands include:
INNOVATION
Halo Solutions Ltd – Nottinghamshire – Lifesaving software invented by counter-terrorism police officer, motivated to help after Manchester Arena bombing.
Hygienex trading as HSG UK – Derbyshire – HSG’s revolutionary washroom innovation technologies significantly reduce water consumption, save money and improve the environment.
Whitehouse Construction Co. Ltd – Derbyshire – A flood resistant door and gasket for domestic properties, providing a passive defence against water.
Winbro Group Technologies Ltd – Leicestershire – High performance, flexible manufacturing system for machining; Turbine Blades, Hydrogen Fuel-Cells, Semiconductor and Medical parts.
Zeeko Limited – Leicestershire – Innovative process and product range enhancing the established business and offering growth and diversification opportunities.
INTERNATIONAL TRADE
CMS Cepcor Ltd – Leicestershire – The leading supplier of aftermarket parts to crushing operations around the world.
Devol Kitchens Ltd – Leicestershire – Beautifully made furniture and accessories designed and crafted in Britain.
Doff Portland Limited – Nottinghamshire – Sale of environmentally responsible horticultural products to European hobby gardeners, and the agricultural sector.
Global Brands Limited – Derbyshire – The leading independent producer and creators of remarkable, tasty liquids, enjoyed around the world.
Halliday Lighting Limited – Nottinghamshire – Experts in exterior lighting solutions internationally for sports, ports, airports, and industrial applications.
Heraeus Electro-Nite (UK) Ltd – Derbyshire – Global leader in the development and supply of measurement technology for the steel industry.
Learn Well Trading Limited – Rutland – Delivering the best kind of open-ended, child-led, play-based learning, into homes and classrooms worldwide.
Matrix Corp. Pvt Limited – Northamptonshire – Provider of high-purity non-ferrous recycled metals to customers in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
McGhee Investments Ltd – Derbyshire – Global specialists in the controlled manufacture, machining, recycling, testing and distribution of graphite products.
NMS International Group Ltd – Leicestershire – NMS manages complex projects in difficult places.
United Cast Bar (UK) – Derbyshire – Global leader in the production and international supply of continuous cast iron bar.
Wrendale Designs Ltd – Lincolnshire – Leading supplier of beautiful quality design-led giftware featuring characterful illustrations inspired by the natural world.
Zeeko Limited – Leicestershire – Zeeko continues to increase exports of its optical manufacturing technologies to the world’s biggest companies.
PROMOTING OPPORTUNITY (THROUGH SOCIAL MOBILITY)
Rockleigh Ltd – Northamptonshire – Rockleigh Ltd is providing life-changing opportunities for marginalised people.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
ML Operations Ltd, trading as Midland Lead – Derbyshire – Sustainable manufacturer of recycled lead sheet – positively impacting on our team, community and environment.
Commenting on the King’s Award, Halo Solutions founder and CEO Lloyd Major said: “Halo is in the business of protecting people and anywhere where the public gather, from train stations to football stadiums, festivals to universities and everywhere in between. It takes great communication and co-ordination of information and resources to keep the public safe at all times. The Halo system is the software that connects everything together to enhance public safety and security, which helps to protect everyone.
“Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise is a stunning recognition of the hard work we do in this space as a British tech company, bringing innovative software to the operational environments that need it most. We have an amazing team who are dedicated and committed to public and crowd safety, enabling our clients to keep their public spaces, events and infrastructure safe and protected.
“It was a fitting honour that Halo played a part in the safety and security aspects of the state funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and at the coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.”
James Brand, Managing Director of United Cast Bar Foundries, said: “The team and I are over the moon. It is recognition for our continued product development and commitment to producing a high quality product that has enabled us to open new markets around the world and trade competitively internationally.
“Having a King’s Award for Enterprise gives us a further platform to develop and grow the business internationally. There are exciting times ahead for United Cast Bar.”
HSG founder and Managing Director Simon Rice said: “We are deeply honoured that our continued innovation in sustainable technologies has been recognised with The King’s Award.
“This recognition demonstrates our ongoing commitment to reducing water wastage – enabling our customers to reduce their carbon footprint as well as saving them money and improving the washroom environment.
“Although we are a relatively small company, we certainly punch above our weight in the industry and have some of the most prestigious venues in the country on our client portfolio.
“It is therefore a huge honour to be able to display The King’s Award emblem on all our packaging and marketing materials and to fly the flag outside our offices in Pride Park.”
