Published: April 1st, 2026
If you run a business in Shropshire or Telford & Wrekin, here’s an opportunity you really don’t want to miss.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise — one of the UK’s most prestigious business accolades — is launching for 2027, and there are two special events coming up to help you find out more and get started with your application.
Come along and find out more
The first is a breakfast event on Tuesday, 14 April, starting at 8:00am at The Quad, Station Quarter, Telford, sponsored by Harper Adams University. Then, on the evening of Monday, 20 April from 5:30pm, there’s a second event at Reech Media in Shrewsbury.
Both events are a great chance to hear from people who’ve been through the process, ask questions and start thinking about whether your business could be in with a shot.
To RSVP for either event, email kae@shropshirelieutenancy.co.uk by 9 April and include any dietary or access requirements.
Why does it matter?
The awards recognise outstanding achievement across four categories: innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. Winning brings national recognition, real commercial credibility and — as many previous winners will tell you — it can genuinely transform a business.
Graham Corfield, chief executive and founder of Telford’s Aviramp, which won the Queen’s Award for International Trade in 2021 knows this first-hand:
“Winning the Queen’s Award for International Trade was a genuine game-changer for Aviramp. It gave us credibility on a global stage that would have taken years to build any other way, opening doors in new markets and giving our customers and partners the confidence to work with us. Since winning the award in 2021, we’ve grown into the world-leading brand in our field, with 950 ramps in use across the globe and sales of over £9 million in 2025.
“If you’re a business in Telford and Wrekin with ambitions to grow — nationally or internationally — I would urge you to apply for the King’s Award for Enterprise. It is one of the most powerful tools you can have in your armoury.”
Applications open in May
You don’t need to wait until May to get started — in fact, the earlier you begin preparing, the stronger your application is likely to be. Come along to one of the launch events and take that first step. There is also an online masterclass exploring the categories and application process in more detail is also planned — so watch this space.
For more information about the King’s Awards visit gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
