16 East Midlands businesses receive The King’s Award for Enterprise

The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been revealed today (6 May), celebrating the achievements of businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.

This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.

Of these, a total of 16 awards went to businesses in the East Midlands. Seven in the International Trade category, five for Innovation, two for Sustainable Development and two for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.

This year’s recipients from the East Midlands include:

• GeoPura, a Nottinghamshire-based business, using their cutting-edge technology to deliver zero-emission power from hydrogen. By cutting air pollution at its source, their technology is helping improve public health, protect workers, and support cleaner, safer communities. They receive the award for Innovation.
• David Nieper, which receives the award for Sustainable Development for their work designing, manufacturing, and retailing premium clothing for women. They do this while achieving zero waste to landfill, reduced carbon emissions and onshoring their fabric supply chain into Britain. They are based in Derbyshire.

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “There are some outstanding East Midlands businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from the pioneering technology of GeoPura to the expert and sustainably focused craftsmanship of David Nieper.

“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in the East Midlands and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”

Andrew Cunningham, CEO and founder of GeoPura, said: “We’re incredibly proud to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise. It’s a powerful recognition of the hard work, innovation, and commitment of the entire GeoPura team. At a time when the need for clean, reliable energy has never been greater, this award supports the use of green hydrogen to phase out toxic and environment damaging fuels such as diesel, petrol, and HVO.

“Designed in the East Midlands, our Hydrogen Power Units (HPUs) are delivering scalable, dependable, zero-emission electricity, wherever and whenever it’s needed, cutting carbon and life destroying emissions, improving local air quality, and enabling sustainable development across the UK and beyond.”

Christopher Nieper OBE, managing director of David Nieper, said: “It’s a huge privilege to win a Kings award for sustainable development for the second time. And I’m grateful to The King’s award team for spurring us on to save more energy, employ more local people and build British fashion skills here in Derbyshire. Thank you.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago 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 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.

East Midlands recipients include:

Pino De Rosa, founder and managing director of Bridgeway, which has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise for Promoting Opportunity, said: “I am proud of the culture of opportunity that we have created at Bridgeway and honoured that this hard work has been recognised by the Kings Award for Enterprise.

“Since our inception 30 years ago this year, I have seen firsthand the incredible impact we can have when we invest in people and empower them to reach their full potential. We will continue to break down barriers to opportunity and provide pathways to sustainable employment.”

Sean Smith, managing director of Michael Smith Switchgear, honoured with the King’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of the company’s work in sustainable development, said: “It’s great for our team to see their hard work recognised at the highest level. This has never been a box-ticking exercise for us, it’s an area in which we really want to lead change.”

Michael Gladwell, managing director, Upbeat Clean, which secured the award for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility, said: “Our team are delighted to be recognised by the King for combining excellent cleaning with life-changing employment.

“We knew before we started that there was huge potential in partnering with refugee women who have fled horrific situations with their children, giving them an opportunity not only to work, but to realise their full potential and take on management and leadership roles.

“They’ve done that amazingly, thanks to the incredible support from over 40 Derby companies who are using their budgets to get excellent cleaning and change lives.”

Cosy Direct was recognised for its export success with an award for International Trade. Its managing director, David Hook, said: “Our whole team have worked so hard to reform Cosy’s process and quality to get us export fit.

“With a brand-new team and offices and staff in the Netherlands, it’s one of our four stellar growth divisions. To be lucky enough to win two King’s Awards as we approach our 15th year is simply brilliant and we’re all over the moon.” Cosy Direct previously won the Sustainable development award – when the scheme was known as the Queen’s Awards – in 2022.