• Swindon & Wiltshire Awards
• Tuesday May 6 2025
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol businesses win King’s Award for Enterprise

Five businesses from the greater Bristol area have been recognised in the prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise.

Nationally, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of the UK’s diverse business community.

Awards are made in the categories of International Trade, Innovation, and Sustainable Development.

Triodos Bank was the South West’s only recipient of the Sustainable Development award – and it marks the fourth time the company has won the award.

Judges praised Triodos for having developed its sustainable practice since 2020 and remaining a beacon for others.

Outgoing CEO Dr Bevis Watts, said: “In the month I step down during my 10th year leading Triodos Bank UK, it’s a real honour for the bank to be recognised with the King’s Award for Enterprise in sustainable development again.

“At a time where it feels the world is scaling back on its sustainability commitments, Triodos continues to be a global pioneer in ethical banking and using the power of finance to support projects that benefit people and the planet.”

Inductosense has received the award for Innovation – the only company in the region to win in this category.

The company designs and manufactures ultrasonic sensing technology to monitor corrosion and erosion of structures in the oil and gas, chemical, mining. renewables, and nuclear sectors.

The Bristol University spin-out’s WAND (Wireless and Non-Destructive) sensors are permanently attached to metal structures to provide simple and accurate wall thickness monitoring.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see an invention we developed in the lab now delivering real value to our customers — and to have that impact recognised with a King’s Award!” said Dr Chenghuan Zhong, founder & CTO.

International Trade awards have been made to J G Glover & Co, Viper Innovations, and Wittenstein High Integrity Systems.

J G Glover & Co manufactures heritage clothing under the brand name Peregrine Clothing. Its product lines include wool jumpers, wax jackets, picnic bags, and accessories including socks, hats and scarves.

Viper Innovations provides electrical distribution solutions and asset integrity services for control systems for the global subsea oil and gas industry.

The company specialises in developing and deploying technology to improve the reliability and lifespan of critical electrical systems.

Headquartered in Portishead with offices in Aberdeen and Houston, and strategic representation in Australia, Brazil, China, and Nigeria, exports now account for 40 per cent of Viper’s business, and revenues have increased by 30 per cent between 2023 and 2025.

Managing director Edward Davies said: “This is a phenomenal achievement and a proud moment for everyone at Viper Innovations.

“Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a testament to the ingenuity, dedication, and vision of our incredible team. It validates our international strategy and supports our ambition to further expand our global footprint.”

And software developer Wittenstein High Integrity Systems develops safety-critical Real-Time Operating Systems for a range of sectors, including aerospace, automotive, industrial, medical, and rail, which is deployed across 46 countries.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work of the entire WHIS team, some of whom have been dedicated to the business for decades,” said the company.

Gareth Thomas, the government’s minister for services, small businesses and exports said: “There are some exceptional businesses from the South West recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.

“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 South West and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.

The programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.