Welsh firms honoured in 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise
Welsh firms honoured in 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise
Eight innovative and successful Welsh businesses have been recognised in the 2025 King’s Awards for Enterprise, announced today (6 May), highlighting the strength and diversity of Wales’s economic landscape.
Spanning sectors from medical technology to sustainable tourism and baking, the winners hail from across the country, including Bridgend, Wrexham and Welshpool. The prestigious awards celebrate UK businesses making outstanding contributions in innovation, international trade, and sustainable development.
This year, five Welsh companies were recognised for their performance in international trade, one for innovation, and another for sustainable development.
Among the recipients is Spectrum Technologies, a global leader in laser wire-processing equipment for the aerospace sector. Based in Bridgend, the company was awarded in the International Trade category.
“Spectrum is very excited and proud to be a winner of the King’s Award for Enterprise,” said Dr Peter Dickinson, Chairman and Chief Technology Officer.
“The Company faced huge challenges with Covid but our team of employees have really pulled together and helped turn a difficult situation around, more than doubling sales over the last few years. The King’s Award is a tribute to their combined efforts, as well as a reflection on the company’s global market-leading position supplying specialised laser wire processing equipment to the aerospace industry.”
In Pembrokeshire, Bluestone National Park Resort has been recognised in the Sustainable Development category. The eco-resort has focused on environmental protection, economic growth and community support.
“Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a hugely exciting and rewarding milestone for everyone at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire,” said CEO and Founder William McNamara OBE.
“Our ethos is centered on the three pillars of sustainable development: actively protecting natural ecosystems, growing the local economy, and supporting local communities. This has become our operational blueprint. The King’s Award…gives us many reasons to celebrate, recognising the importance of our work as we continue to protect our planet for future generations.”
The awards were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed following the accession of King Charles III. Now in their 59th year, the awards remain a hallmark of business excellence, with more than 8,000 UK companies recognised since their inception in 1965.
Speaking on this year’s cohort, Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, said: “There are some excellent Welsh businesses recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from Spectrum Technologies’ pioneering laser equipment to Bluestone Resort’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
“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 Wales and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens added: “I congratulate all eight Welsh businesses who have won awards. From baking to medical devices to sustainable holidays, their work shows the best of business right across Wales, producing and exporting high quality products and services.
“By working with talented Welsh enterprises to create well-paid local jobs and economic growth, the UK Government is delivering on its Plan for Change.”
The King’s Awards are presented locally by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenants throughout the year, with representatives from each winning business also invited to a special reception at the royal residence.
Richard Harris, Head of Trade at the Welsh Government and a judge on this year’s panel, said:
“It’s an absolute privilege to represent Wales as a judge on the Kings Awards… Reviewing and appraising the applications which seem to grow in quality year on year never fails to impress.
“The Kings Award is the gold standard… the benchmark award for quality that can literally open doors and start conversations across the world, enabling companies to access opportunities that ordinarily might not be available and win business.”
Eligible businesses can apply for one or more categories. Each submission undergoes a rigorous assessment process involving experts from across sectors, including representatives from the Welsh Government and UK civil service, before receiving final approval from the Prime Minister and The King.
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