Lord-Lieutenant Challenges Local Businesses to Showcase Their Excellence by Applying for a King’s Award for Enterprise

8th July 2024 | Lieutenancy News

Lord-Lieutenant Challenges Local Businesses to Showcase Their Excellence by Applying for a King’s Award for Enterprise

On 4^th July, the Lord-Lieutenant encouraged pioneering businesses in Surrey to step up and apply for a King’s Award for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business award.

The Lord-Lieutenant’s call-to-action targets business leaders and employees of Surrey’s businesses and is designed to encourage them to start a conversation about how winning royal recognition could benefit their business.

The event was held at Surrey Research Park, a vibrant innovative business community of more than 200 pioneering companies, located in Guildford. As well as an epicentre for innovation, the Park is the base for two-time King’s Award winner, ipTEST. The company, which specialises in cutting-edge semiconductor testing, won a King’s Award for innovation in 2023 and then immediately followed their success with a 2024 King’s Award for international trade.

The King’s Award for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise, is one of the most esteemed accolades a UK business can receive. It honours outstanding achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Winning the award is shown to boost a company’s reputation, open doors to global markets, help attract top talent, and enhance stakeholder confidence.

Caroline Fleming, Director of the Surrey Innovation District, based at Surrey Research Park said:

“The King’s Award is a fantastic opportunity to shine a spotlight on Surrey’s pioneering businesses and to ensure the county’s expert teams are recognised for their amazing contributions to our brighter futures.

“We’re excited and honoured that Surrey Research Park and the University of Surrey were chosen by the Lord-Lieutenant to rally King’s Award submissions. And we look forward to more of our Park community members joining ipTEST in the hall of fame of King’s Award winners.”

Royal Recognition for ipTEST

ipTEST was first recognised in 2023 for its groundbreaking development of electrical test and measurement solutions for high power semiconductors. The testing can help extend the life of batteries used in electric vehicles as well as improve the efficiency of energy-hungry data centres.

Most recently, the ipTEST team received the King’s Award for International Trade, having grown their exports by more than 500% to Southeast Asia, China and Europe, in the assessed period.

ipTEST CEO, Conor McCarthy said:

“The King’s Award has significantly raised the company’s profile, leading to new business opportunities and increased credibility in our field. Most importantly though, it recognises the hard work and dedication put in by everyone at ipTEST. This has been a true team effort across our entire company.”

How the application process works

The application process for the King’s Award is rigorous but rewarding. Businesses are assessed on various criteria, including their commercial success, innovative practices, and contributions to sustainable development.

Start Your Conversation Today

Business leaders and employees are encouraged to speak with their management and colleagues about the potential benefits of entering (and winning) the King’s Award for Enterprise might support their strategic objectives.

Whether it’s the chance to celebrate innovation, enhance market visibility, or gain a competitive edge, the award represents a unique opportunity for Surrey’s businesses to shine.

For more information on the King’s Award for Enterprise and how to apply, visit the official website https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise