The Kings Awards Are Now Open for Entries

If you're a Kent-based business with big ambitions, now’s your chance to shine. Applications are officially open for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 - one of the most prestigious honours a UK business can receive.

The awards celebrate outstanding achievement in four key areas:

• Innovation

• International Trade

• Sustainable Development

• Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility

Winners are invited to a Royal Reception, receive a commemorative crystal trophy and certificate, and earn the right to use the King’s Awards emblem on all branding and marketing materials. It’s a powerful stamp of credibility - and it's valid for five years.

Kent Foundation backs local businesses to apply

The Kent Foundation is urging businesses and entrepreneurs across the county to get involved and apply.

Whether you're a young entrepreneur growing something exciting or a long-standing business making a difference, the awards offer a unique opportunity to gain national exposure - and potentially international recognition.

Why apply?

In today’s tough climate, where many small firms are battling rising costs and reduced confidence, a King’s Award can help cut through the noise. Past winners report:

• Increased sales and partnerships

• Greater press coverage and public trust

• Boosted morale among staff

• Stronger reputation with investors and customers

And importantly - it’s completely free to enter.

Who can apply?

You don’t need to be a big business to qualify. Many past winners have been micro-businesses, family-run firms, and innovative startups. To apply, your organisation must:

• Be based in the UK

• Have at least two UK-based employees (full-time or equivalent)

• Be self-contained and file its own accounts

• Have a good compliance record with HMRC

• Demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices

Your business can be in the private, public, or non-profit sector. You can also apply in more than one category if relevant.

The four categories

1. Innovation
   For companies that have developed a unique product, service, or process, available for at least two years and commercially successful.

2. International Trade
   For firms showing substantial, year-on-year growth in overseas sales for three or six years.

3. Sustainable Development
   For organisations that have made sustainability central to their vision and can demonstrate measurable, positive impact.

4. Promoting Opportunity
   For businesses actively supporting people from disadvantaged backgrounds through mentoring, training, recruitment, or career support - and doing so for at least two years.

Apply by 9 September 2025

Entries are now open and close at 1pm on Monday 9 September 2025. The application process is straightforward and starts with registering an account online.

👉 Apply here: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
👉 Find support for young founders: www.kentfoundation.org

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