The Kings Awards for Enterprise 2026
The King’s Awards for Enterprise (KAE) are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses, given for outstanding achievement in the categories of:
- innovation
- international trade
- sustainable development
- promoting opportunity through social mobility
KAE recipients exemplify the finest talent, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit of British business.
To be eligible to apply, organisations must be based in the UK with at least two full-time UK employees (or part-time equivalents) and be a self-contained enterprise under its own management arrangements with its own accounts.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are free to enter and open to organisations from the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. Organisations can apply for more than one category of the Award.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise was previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. The new name reflects His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme has recognised over 7,000 companies since its inception in 1965. Last year 252 UK businesses received the Award across all four categories, with 89% of recipients being SMEs.
Applications for the 2026 Awards open on 6 May 2025, with a closing date of 9 September. Successful organisations will be announced on Coronation Day, 6 May 2026.
Full eligibility criteria for each category, and details of how to apply can be found at:
The King’s Awards for Enterprise: About the awards – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
For further enquiries please call The King’s Awards’ Helpline on: o20 4552 0081 or e-mail: kingsawards@businessandtrade.gov.uk