Three Welsh businesses have been named winners of the first King’s Awards for Enterprise. The awards, now in the 57th year, were previously known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise but were renamed following the accession of King Charles III.
The three firms were listed among 148 businesses around the UK in four categories designed to recognise outstanding achievements in business. Awards have been won in the categories of International Trade (78 winners), Innovation (47), Sustainable Development (15) and Promoting Opportunity (9).
Two of the Welsh businesses were recognised for their excellence in innovation, while the third was selected for its outstanding growth in international trade.
Read more: Wales' leading soft drinks firm Radnor Hills in multi-million pound expansion
This included Carmarthen manufacturer Bibado which was honoured in the innovation category for its baby bib coveralls for weaning, patented with adjustable straps that attach the bib directly to the highchair tray. The firm’s product, in combination with educational information and resources, helps parents pursue baby-led weaning while minimising the mess that has traditionally been associated with the approach.
HWM-Water in Cwmbran was the second Welsh business to be named in the innovation category for its cost saving, water and energy management solutions. Its current innovation, SpillSens, is a digital float sensor providing remote early warning of sewer blockages to prevent pollution spills, offering utility companies efficient ways of meeting customer and regulatory requirements.
Swansea-firm Lumishore, which designs and builds marine LED lighting systems for the leisure industry, was the only Welsh business to be named in the international trade category. The company has been recognised for its substantial short-term commercial growth in overseas sales after establishing distribution partners in the USA, Germany, Italy, France, UAE, Turkey, New Zealand, Japan, and Australia.
Overseas sales have grown by 54% over the three-year application period and the proportion of sales exported has increased to 97% of total sales.
Chief executive Eifrion Evans said: “We are extremely proud to be recognised for our sustained growth and success. I must thank our loyal customers worldwide who have enabled this. The award confirms our market-leading position, customer focus and product excellence. It also reflects the hard work and dedication of Lumishore’s world class teams.
“Looking forward, we will continue to increase investment in innovative products, capability, people and sustainability, as a platform for the future.”
Winners’ awards are valid for five years and winners are permitted to fly the King’s Awards flag at their main office. The winning businesses are also given a Grant of Appointment and a commemorative crystal trophy.
Read more:
