This year marks the 50th anniversary of the County of Cumbria, and we're shining a spotlight on the exceptional businesses in our region that have earned the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. We are also encouraging local businesses to consider nominating themselves for this free award.
The deadline for local businesses to be considered for this award is fast approaching. Applications for the 2025 Awards are open until 1pm on 12th September 2024. Businesses can self-nominate, and the process is free. Detailed eligibility criteria and application forms are available on the official website for The King's Awards for Enterprise.
Winning The King’s Awards for Enterprise is more than just an accolade; it’s a game-changer. Awardees receive:
- A Royal Reception
- An award presentation by The King’s representative
- The privilege to fly The King’s Awards flag
- The use of the emblem on marketing materials
- A Grant of Appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy
These awards are valid for five years and provide a global seal of excellence.
Celebrating past winners
Cumbria has proudly celebrated 40 businesses and individuals distinguished with The King’s Awards for Enterprise over the past 50 years. These prestigious awards highlight exceptional achievements in innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and social mobility, offering global recognition and showcasing our county's remarkable talent.
| Year | Category | Organisation | Gazette |
| 1975 | for export achievement | The Marchon Division (UK) of Albright & Wilson Ltd, Whitehaven, Cumbria | The London Gazette - 1975 |
| 1977 | for export achievement and Technological achievement | IBIS Medical Equipment & Supplies Ltd., Kendal, Cumbria Henry Cooke Ltd, Beetham, Milnthorpe, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1977 |
| 1978 | Export and Technology | Kangol Wear Ltd, Cleator, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1978 |
| 1984 | for export achievement | Burlington Slate Ltd, Coniston, Cumbria Camtex Fabrics Ltd, Workington, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1984 |
| 1988 | for export achievement | Lilliput Lane Ltd, Skirsgill, Penrith, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1988 |
| 1989 | For Technology Achievements | Hydra-Lok Limited, Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1989 |
| 1990 | for export achievement | British Sidac Ltd. Wigton, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1990 |
| 1991 | for export achievement | Burlington Slate Ltd, Coniston Linton Tweeds Ltd, Carlisle The Wayfarers UK Ltd, Aspatria | The London Gazette 1991 |
| 1993 | For Technology Achievements | Tronic Electronic Services Ltd, Ulverston, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1993 |
| 1994 | for export achievement | Camtex Fabrics Ltd Workington, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1994 |
| 1995 | for export achievement | K Shoes, Kendal, Cumbria | The London Gazette 1995 |
| 2001 | International Trade
Innovation | PAV Data Systems Ltd Windermere, Cumbria PAV Data Systems Ltd Windermere, Cumbria | The London Gazette 2001 |
| 2002 | Sustainable Development | The Cumberland Pencil Co. Keswick, a division of Acco UK Ltd | The London Gazette 2002 |
| 2006 | Innovation | Bells of Lazonby Limited Penrith, Cumbria | The London Gazette 2006 |
| 2009 | Innovation | Forge Europa Ltd, Ulverston, Cumbria | The London Gazette 2009 |
| 2010 | International Trade | Gilbert Gilkes & Gordon Ltd, Kendal, Cumbria | The London Gazette 2010 |
| 2013 | The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion, an individual award | Lady Cunningham. Enterprise Development Coach, Ways into Successful Enterprise, Allerdale Borough Council, Workington, Cumbria | The London Gazette 2013 |
| 2013 | International Trade | Totalpost Services Plc, Alston, Cumbria Triveritas Limited, Brampton, Cumbria | |
| 2018 | International Trade Sustainable Development | Create Technologies Ltd, trading as Createc The Lakes Free Range Egg Co Ltd | The London Gazette 2018 |
| 2019 | Innovation | Createc, Cockermouth | The London Gazette 2019 |
| 2020 | International Trade International Trade International Trade Sustainable Development | Clark Door Limited Kendal Nutricare Ltd Trade Copiers Ltd The Quiet Site | The London Gazette 2020 |
| 2021 | Innovation | Barrnon Ltd | The London Gazette 2021 |
| 2022 | Innovation Innovation | Alertacall Ltd Chimney Sheep Ltd | The London Gazette 2022 |
| 2023 | Innovation International Trade International Trade Sustainable Development | Clark Door Limited Fruugo.com Limited OEE Container Technology Limited First Milk | The London Gazette 2023 |
| 2024 | Sustainable Development Innovation | The Quiet Site Createc Ltd | The London Gazette 2024 |
His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr. Alexander Scott, said: “As we commemorate 50 years of Cumbria’s establishment, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the businesses that have been recognised with awards over the years. Their achievements not only highlight the excellence within our county but also inspire future generations of entrepreneurs and business leaders.
“These awards showcase the excellence in Cumbrian companies and demonstrate that we have world-class businesses in our county. Many more companies deserve and would benefit from the recognition that a King’s Award would bring. I hope that those eligible will take up the challenge to apply, as there is evidence from previous winners that the international standing of the award brings tangible benefits to their business.”