16 firms across the East Midlands, of which 13 are in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire, have been announced as recipients of 2025’s King’s Award for Enterprise.
Widely considered the most prestigious accolade any business can be presented with, the King’s Award for Enterprise recognises outstanding achievement in one of four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development or Promoting Opportunity (Through Social Mobility).
King’s Award for Enterprise winners are issued with an official certificate, known as a Grant of Appointment, and get the right to use the Award emblem in marketing materials and fly the flag at their head office.
Nine of 2025’s winning businesses are members of East Midlands Chamber.
East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “For so many businesses in the region – nine of which are East Midlands Chamber members – to get gold-standard recognition on a countrywide and worldwide stage says it all – it’s further testament to the East Midlands as a Centre of Trading Excellence where businesses can thrive. Firms across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire lead on innovation, on overseas trade and sustainable growth.
“The King’s Award for Enterprise is the pinnacle – about the highest it gets in stamping a business as one organisations of all sizes can look up to. I extend my congratulations to all the East Midlands businesses named this year as award recipients for their remarkable achievement.”
Abacus Flooring Solutions was announced as having won an award in the Innovation category. Founder and Managing Director Nick Megson said: “This award isn’t just about our product – it’s a huge acknowledgment to the belief, hard work, and sheer dedication of the whole team. We’re incredibly proud to fly the flag for our town and to show that innovation and sustainability aren’t just big-city stories – they’re happening right here, in every corner of the UK.”
King’s Award for Enterprise 2025 – East Midlands winning businesses and categories
Leicestershire
Abacus Flooring – Innovation
Structural Adhesives – Innovation
Michael Smith Switchgear – Sustainable Development
CabinZero – International Trade
Nottinghamshire
GeoPura – Innovation
Abacus Lighting – International Trade
Midland Aerospace – International Trade
Bridgeway Consulting – Promoting Opportunity (Through Social Mobility)
Derbyshire
David Nieper – Sustainable Development
Upbeat Enterprise – Promoting Opportunity (Through Social Mobility)
Cosy Direct – International Trade
Heraeus Electro-Nite – Innovation
Garner Aluminium Extrusions – Innovation
