A diverse group of British companies — from ex-offender employers to luxury shoemakers — have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise, highlighting the entrepreneurial resilience and innovation powering the UK economy.
In total, 197 organisations were honoured this year across four categories: international trade, innovation, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity through social mobility. The King’s Awards — formerly known as the Queen’s Awards — are now in their third year under King Charles III, and their 59th year overall.
Among this year’s most inspiring winners is Social Pantry, the London-based catering company that has quietly employed 42 prison leavers over the past decade. Founder Alex Head, 39, said she once feared telling clients about her inclusive hiring but now sees it as a strength.
“When I first did it, it definitely deterred business. So it’s really great that a decade on it’s been recognised by somebody as important as the King.”
Head hopes the award will inspire others to adopt similar social hiring practices: “If it’s being recognised by the King, then it’s something worth considering.”
Innovation, sustainability and social conscience celebrated
Tech company Yoto, known for its screen-free audio devices for children, picked up an award for innovation. With storytelling cards voiced by the likes of Olivia Colman and Tom Hardy, and backed by Sir Paul McCartney, the company sold over £51 million in devices in 2023.
Co-founder Ben Drury, said: “We didn’t shy away from the challenges — including a major product recall. We did the right thing for our customers, and we’re proud the award recognises that resilience.”
Brompton, the UK’s iconic folding bike maker, received its first King’s Award for sustainable development, following previous wins for innovation and exports. The honour comes as the cycling industry weathers a difficult downturn. CEO Will Butler-Adams said:
“This award couldn’t have come at a better time. Things like the King’s Award just make everyone feel good — you need to find things to celebrate when times are tough.”
Gibsons, the 106-year-old family-run jigsaw puzzle maker, was recognised for its sustainable packaging efforts, which include removing shrink wrap and switching to vegetable inks — a change that saves 500,000 metres of plastic a year.
Managing director Kate Gibson, great-granddaughter of founder Harry Percy Gibson, said: “We had this whole project about making the jigsaw puzzle perfect for the customer — and the planet.”
Watford-based Sole Bliss, maker of stylish shoes for women with bunions, won in the international trade category after posting £3.6 million in US sales last year. Its fans include Oprah Winfrey, Dame Helen Mirren, and the Queen, who personally recommended the shoes to Mary Berry.
Founder Lisa Kay credited customer service and recommendation as key to the brand’s US success: “These people might be famous but they’re not so different from us — recommendation is always great.”
The awards come at a challenging moment for UK businesses facing rising costs, international trade pressures, and political uncertainty. But for the winners, the King’s Award provides both recognition and momentum — a prestigious seal of excellence that carries weight in global markets.
Butler-Adams of Brompton recalls the impact of winning a Queen’s Award in Japan: “Our Japanese distributors were distraught when we let our last award lapse. These royal endorsements really do mean something abroad.”
With King Charles placing an emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility, the 2025 winners reflect a Britain where innovation, inclusion, and environmental integrity are becoming increasingly central to business success.
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From caterers to shoemakers: British businesses honoured in 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise
