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  "path": "/royal/royal-news-kings-awards-for-enterprise-2026",
  "publishedAt": "2026-05-06T08:22:08.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
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  "textContent": "\n\n\nRecipients of the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise have been unveiled with 186 prizes issued in total.\n\nThe awards celebrate exceptional companies demonstrating outstanding achievement across multiple sectors of the British economy.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe 2026 honours mark a landmark moment for the programme, which is celebrating six decades since the first awards were presented in 1966.\n\nOriginally launched in 1965, the scheme has acknowledged more than 8,000 outstanding British businesses over its history.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nThe accolades were previously titled the Queen's Awards for Enterprise before being renamed four years ago following the accession of King Charles III.\n\nThe change reflected the King’s desire to maintain the legacy established by Queen Elizabeth II whilst continuing to celebrate excellence in British commerce.\n\nThese prestigious annual honours recognise businesses across the UK and Channel Islands for their \"vital contribution to economic growth and improving lives\".\n\nEight Scottish companies have been honoured in this year's King's Awards for Enterprise, with Walker's Shortbread and the Edinburgh Remakery among the recipients announced today.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe full list of Scottish winners includes Maritime Developments from Aberdeen, Renfrewshire-based Terumo Aortic, Clarus Networks in West Lothian, Exceed (XCD) Holdings from Aberdeenshire, the Caledonian Tree Company operating in Midlothian, and McKerr Farming from South Lanarkshire.\n\nRecipients undergo a rigorous evaluation conducted by specialists from industry, academia, the voluntary sector and senior Whitehall officials, with final approval granted by the King on the Prime Minister's recommendation.\n\nTo commemorate this significant anniversary and ensure the programme remains relevant to evolving business trends, organisers have launched a new category: the King's Award for Enterprise - Young Founder.\n\nDeveloped as part of the Department for Business and Trade's small business strategy, this addition will honour entrepreneurs between 18 and 30 years old who are actively running their companies and generating growth opportunities.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nNationwide, 186 awards have been distributed this year, with Bristol firm Tailfin securing recognition in two separate categories.The honours span diverse industries, with 76 companies acknowledged for international trade, 52 for innovation, 36 for sustainability, and 22 for promoting opportunity through social mobility initiatives.Small and medium-sized enterprises dominated this year's honours, receiving 164 of the 186 awards, representing 89 per cent of the total. Among these, 24 recipients were micro-businesses employing ten staff or fewer.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nBlair McDougall, 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.\n\n“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.\"\n\nLord lieutenants will present the honours to winners throughout the year, while a representative from each company will attend a royal reception.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Recipients of the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise revealed as 186 prizes issued"
}