Six North East businesses in The King’s Awards for Enterprise
The awards, announced on May 6, celebrate the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands.
They highlight the vital role these companies play in boosting the economy and improving lives.
ZIGUP plc (Image: Supplied)
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed two years ago to honour His Majesty The King’s commitment to recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The award programme, now in its 59th year, has honoured over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
The North East businesses recognised this year are Kinewell Energy, ZIGUP plc, JR Dynamics Ltd, John King Chains Limited, Elfab Limited, and Shared Interest Society.
Kinewell Energy, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, was recognised in the International Trade category.
The company, which develops software tools to reduce costs and improve energy yields in offshore wind farms, has seen its overseas sales grow by 93 per cent over the last three years.
Dr Andrew Jenkins, CEO and founder of Kinewell Energy, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that our company has been honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise – International Trade.
“This award celebrates not just our rapid growth in global markets, but the commitment to our core mission: helping the world reach net zero through innovative technology.”
ZIGUP plc, a group of 11 businesses in the automotive mobility sector, was recognised in the Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility category.
The Darlington-based company has developed a group apprenticeship/job experience initiative to provide early career opportunities.
Marin Ward, CEO of ZIGUP, said: “The team at ZIGUP are incredibly honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise.
“This award recognises our efforts in Promoting Opportunity and reinforces the investments we are making in building skills for the future.”
The other North East businesses recognised are JR Dynamics Ltd, John King Chains Limited, Elfab Limited, and Shared Interest Society.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said: “There are some exceptional businesses from the North East recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Kinewell Energy’s advanced efforts to combat climate change to ZIGUP’s work supporting disadvantaged groups access skilled careers.
“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in the North East and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
The recipients of the awards pass a rigorous assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, and senior officials in Whitehall.
The Prime Minister recommends the recipients each year, and His Majesty The King approves them.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants, The King’s representatives in each county, will present the awards to businesses locally throughout the year.
One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Applications for The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 will open on May 6, 2025.
Eligible businesses can apply for one or more categories, and the awards are valid for five years.
The KAO office will continue their promotion of the awards for the 2026 round, with a specific focus on increasing applications from under-represented groups, regions, and sectors.