Four weeks until the King’s Awards deadline

14th August 2024

There are just four weeks left until the deadline for applying for a King’s Award for Enterprise.

We encourage all eligible Sandwell businesses to apply. Here are five great reasons why you should submit an application. 

1) Potential business growth

In 2021, Tipton-based KMB Shipping Group won a Queen’s Award, and their international enquiries went up by a thousand per cent. Watch this video of Sandwell Business Ambassador and KMB director Paul Hull, talking about how the company’s win gave the business a boost:

2) Profile-raising publicity

If you win a King’s Award, it will be presented at your company by a Lord Lieutenant, one of the King’s representatives. You get permission to fly the King’s Awards flag at your main offices, and use the official emblem on your marketing materials.

You will also receive a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative crystal trophy. All of this is a great opportunity to get press coverage, and remind customers and suppliers about the wonderful work your business does.

3) Boosting morale

Everybody likes to be part of a winning team. Even applying for an award is an excellent opportunity to show your colleagues that you’re proud of them, and to celebrate the great work that they do.

4) It’s free

It costs nothing to apply for a King’s Award – although there is a considerable time commitment. It’s reasonable to set aside around 50 hours to gather all your evidence and write a successful entry.

Both businesses and non-profits are eligible to apply, with the simple conditions that your organisation must:

• Be based in the UK
• Have a minimum of two full-time UK employees or part-time equivalents
• File your company tax returns with HMRC
• Demonstrate strong corporate social responsibility.

5) Support with your application is available

Sandwell Business Ambassadors, the Black Country Chamber of Commerce and the West Midlands Lieutenancy are all keen to see more King’s Awards entrants and winners from the Black Country and wider West Midlands. We’re here to help you with your King’s Awards for Enterprise application.

Check out our King’s Awards resources page for tips on applying. It includes insight from John Wood DL – our Sandwell Business Ambassador who is also a Deputy Lieutenant for the West Midlands. We update this page regularly, and it also contains the contact details for the West Midlands Lieutenancy Office, where you can seek further help with your application.

You can also call the King’s Awards helpline on 020 4551 0081 or email kingsawards@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

The application window for the 2024 awards will close at 1pm on Thursday 12 September 2024: start your entry now!