Eight Welsh businesses across a range of different sectors have been recognized by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.
The businesses awarded cover a variety of sectors including industrial lasers, medical equipment, and baking, and are based around the country, from Wrexham to Bridgend and Welshpool.
One Welsh company was awarded for their innovative practices, five for their achievements in international trade and one for their sustainable development.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “There are some excellent Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Spectrum Technologies’ pioneering laser equipment to Bluestone Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in Wales and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said: “I congratulate all eight Welsh businesses who have won awards. From baking to medical devices to sustainable holidays, their work shows the best of business right across Wales, producing and exporting high quality products and services.
“By working with talented Welsh enterprises to create well-paid local jobs and economic growth, the UK Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.”
Bluestone Resort is situated in the heart of the Pembrokeshire countryside. The park has been designed to reconnect families with nature in a responsible fashion, and as such they have received an award in the Sustainable Development category.
William McNamara OBE, CEO and Founder of Bluestone, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a hugely exciting and rewarding milestone for everyone at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire.
“Our ethos is centered on the three pillars of sustainable development: actively protecting natural ecosystems, growing the local economy and supporting local communities. This has become our operational blueprint. The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development gives us many reasons to celebrate, recognising the importance of our work as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special royal reception event.
Richard Harris, Head of Trade at the Welsh Government and a judge on this year’s panel commented: “It’s an absolute privilege to represent Wales as a judge on the Kings Awards and reviewing and appraising the applications which seem to grow in quality year on year never fails to impress.
“The Kings Award is the gold standard, it means something, for me it’s the benchmark award for quality that can literally open doors and start conversations across the world, enabling companies to access opportunities that ordinarily might not be available and win business.”
The full list of Welsh winners
Innovation
Stashed Products Limited, Powys
Stashed Products designs and manufactures innovative, space saving bike storage systems for every bike.
International Trade
Brand Hatchers Ltd, West Glamorgan
International consumer brand owner, with proven market entry strategy, successful in over 35 countries.
Frontier Therapeutics Limited, Gwent
A global leader in pressure ulcer devices, improving patient care through innovation in 34 countries.
Invertek Drives Ltd, Powys
Invertek manufactures innovative variable frequency drives, to support global industries with efficient motor control solutions.
Spectrum Technologies Ltd, Mid Glamorgan
Global leader in the supply of industrial laser wire-processing equipment to the aerospace industry.
The Village Bakery Wrexham, Clwyd
Supplier of premium bakery and morning goods products to retailers and foodservice partners globally.
Sustainable Development
Bluestone Resorts Limited, Dyfed
The UK’s most sustainable holiday park. Designed to reconnect families with nature, responsibly.
BOF Group Limited, Mid Glamorgan
We create inspiring ‘sustainable workspaces’ for the wellbeing of people and the planet.
