Sandwell Business Ambassadors at the King’s Award Masterclass

11th June 2025

Sandwell Business Ambassadors Paul Hull and John Wood DL took centre stage at yesterday’s King’s Award for Enterprise Masterclass, sharing expert insight, lived experience and practical guidance with businesses across the Black Country.

They were joined and supported by fellow Ambassadors Chris Hinson, Chair of West Bromwich Towns Fund Board; Mark Evans, Partner at Crowe; and Anjali Agrawal, CEO of CMT Engineering.

Hosted at Sandwell College on Tuesday 10 June, the event aimed to demystify the application process for the UK’s most prestigious business accolade and inspire more local businesses to step forward.

A winning story from KMB Shipping

Paul Hull, Managing Director of KMB Shipping Group and winner of the King’s Award for International Trade 2021, gave a powerful presentation on the difference the award has made to his business.

Paul explained how the visibility from winning across PR, social media, recruitment and customer engagement helped drive a 1,000% increase in international enquiries and a 25% rise in overseas turnover.

He also shared top tips on how to make your application stand out, encouraging businesses of all sizes to consider putting themselves forward.

Supporting businesses from the inside

Following Paul’s presentation, John Wood DL, fellow Business Ambassador and Deputy Lieutenant joined the Q&A panel alongside other award-winning entrepreneurs and members of the Lieutenancy team.

John drew on his experience supporting King’s Award applicants and encouraged Sandwell-based businesses to make use of the resources available via the Ambassadors network.

The event, delivered in collaboration with Sandwell College, Sandwell Council, Wolverhampton Council and the Black Country Chamber of Commerce, also featured speakers from the Lieutenancy and past winners including LeanneJordan, COO of personalised nutrition brand Nourish3d.