GM Business Growth Hub, one of the country's leading business support organisations, is on a mission to increase the number of Greater Manchester businesses winning the UK’s highest business award.    

They’re supporting Manchester businesses to apply for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026, a prestigious award that celebrates the remarkable achievements of businesses across the UK.  

“Greater Manchester have some of the most exciting businesses in the nation, and they deserve that recognition” said Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub.  

“The importance of winning a King’s award cannot be overstated, but that shouldn’t put businesses off applying. It can seem daunting, which is why we’re doing everything we can to encourage more applications for 2026” 

The awards, which opened applications today (6^th May 2025) recognise British businesses and other organisations that excel at international trade, innovation, sustainable development or promoting opportunity. They are the highest official UK awards for British businesses. 

To help businesses succeed in their applications GM Business Growth Hub is offering specialist support and a series of events and webinars to support businesses applying for the King’s Awards. 

The first being a panel event on the 16th of May, led by Greater Manchester Deputy Lieutenant Dr Vikas Shah MBE, a passionate advocate for the awards.  

“The Kings Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK business; they are open to businesses of all sizes and winners see a real boost to everything from new business to staff morale.  

“We have so many incredible businesses in Greater Manchester who deserve recognition, and I would encourage all businesses to look at the awards and get applying!” Dr Vikas Shah MBE  

Dr Shah MBE will be joined by previous winners who will discuss the benefits of winning a King’s Award as well as taking attendees through the application process and sharing their experience of writing an award-winning nomination. 

Susanna Lawson is a successful entrepreneur and won two Queen’s Award for her previous company OneFile - a cloud-based e-portfolio system and learning software primarily used in vocational training.  

“For OneFile and me it was an incredible honour to receive two Queen's Award for Enterprise in 2017 and 2022 for Innovation.  It was a huge recognition for us, and our dedication over many years to the post-16 vocational sector. It is definitely one of the highlights of OneFile's journey. I would definitely recommend applying. 

Manchester businesses looking to make the most of this support should visit GM Business Growth Hub’s website or register for the event on the 16^th of May.  

GM Business Growth Hub Support - GM Business Growth Hub | How and Why: Applying for the King's Award for Enterprise 

Event registration - GM Business Growth Hub | Unlocking Success: Discover The Power of The King’s Awards for Enterprise 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

King’s Awards for Enterprise: Background 

Entries Open: 6th May 2025 

Entries Close: 9th September 2025, 1:00pm 

Categories 

The King’s Awards for Enterprise recognize outstanding achievements by UK businesses in the following categories: 

• Innovation 

• International Trade 

• Sustainable Development 

• Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility 

Eligibility 

Eligible organizations include businesses, non-profits, and public sector entities that: 

• Are based in the UK (including the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man)
• Have a good compliance record with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Are self-contained enterprises under their own management and complete their own accounts
• Have at least 2 full-time UK employees or part-time equivalent.
• Demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance practices