Swindon & Wiltshire News
Bristol, Somerset and Berkshire firms among King’s Award recipients
Companies from Bristol, Somerset and Berkshire have been celebrating today after being named in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards.
It is the 60th year of the awards, which was started by the King’s mother, Queen Elizabeth.
Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses, highlighting the strength, innovation, and ambition of British enterprise.
A total of 186 awards have been issued with Bristol-based Tailfin being the only recipient to be recognised for two awards.
Overall, 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.
Blair McDougall, minister for small businesses and economic transformation, said: “A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.
“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
Out of the 186 awards, 164 (89 per cent) went to SMEs, and of those, 24 (13 per cent) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.
Innovation
Among the recipients of the Innovation Award were Bristol-based Tailfin, whose 19 employees make an “innovative bicycle rack and bag system offering seamless integration, stability and modularity for cycling adventures.”
The company won a second award for International Trade.
Sharpak, whose Litepak is a “revolutionary recyclable poultry tray reducing plastic by up to 27 per cent without compromising quality,” also won an award for innovation.
Fabia Terranova of parent company Groupe Guillin said: “Together, we are not just reducing waste; we are setting a new global benchmark for the future of food packaging.
“We are proud to support and invest in innovations that drive more sustainable solutions for our customers and the wider industry.”
Sharpak employs 148 people in Yate.
International Trade
Alchemy Ingredients, which employs 17 people in Berkshire, won an International Trade Award for its design and marketing of naturally derived chemical raw material blends for the personal care market.
Ayata Group, which employs 41 at Bracknell, Berkshire, exports digital commerce consultancy services to global retailers across Europe, the Middle East, and beyond.
Invogue from Berkshire, is a 17-strong developer and exporter of trend-led beauty brands, supplying sustainable products to global retailers and distributors.
And Nexus BioQuest, which employs 33 people in Portishead, is an immunology-focused preclinical research partner, delivering advanced assays to support drug discovery for biopharma clients worldwide.
“To receive this honour so early in the life of our company makes it especially rewarding,” said the firm.
“It is a powerful validation of the work we do, the trust our clients place in us, and our belief that high quality, science led services from the UK can have real global impact.
“We are hugely proud of this milestone and excited about what comes next.”
Defence solutions firm Systems Engineering & Assessment, employs 466 people across multiple sites including North Bristol and Frome.
SEA’s sustained export success has supported the company in expanding its international footprint, with the opening of a new manufacturing facility in Ottawa, Canada, expansion of its Barnstaple manufacturing facilities and soon to be opened office in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
This growth, along with key UK contracts such as a £135 million contract to provide its Ancilia trainable countermeasures system to the UK Royal Navy, has driven a significant increase in the company’s headcount.
The business grew by over 100 employees in 2025.
Promoting Opportunity
Lee Marley Brickwork, which employs 232 from its headquarters in Reading, bridges the construction skills gap with exceptionally trained apprentices.
“This Award acknowledges our work in supporting local communities who we work with through our award-winning apprenticeship and training programme, and reflects the dedication of our brilliant team, partners and customers,” said the firm.
“We are pleased to display the King’s Awards Emblem as a “symbol of excellence” recognised in the UK and internationally.
“This award belongs to our people. It recognises the purpose, passion and knowledge they bring to work every day, and the commitment they show in helping develop the next generation of construction professionals. ”
Sustainability
Paradigm Norton (pictured) has been recognised for its outstanding achievement in sustainability, recognising the successful way in which the firm has built sustainability into its vision and strategy, while delivering positive impact for clients, communities, and the environment.
Paradigm Norton Financial Planning Limited was founded in 2001 and today its 90 strong team supports more than 1,300 families, with £1.5 billion of assets under management.
The Bristol-based B Corp is committed to sustainable investing that aims to support clients’ long-term objectives while contributing to a better future.
Philippa Hann, CEO of Paradigm Norton said: “Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is a hugely proud moment for everyone at Paradigm Norton.
“To be recognised nationally for our commitment to sustainability is a powerful endorsement of the values that shape our business and the work our people deliver every day.
“This award reflects the progress we have made in embedding sustainability across every part of the firm – from how we operate as a business to the advice and investment solutions we provide to clients. It is recognition that long-term commercial success and positive impact can go hand in hand.”
“Most importantly, it is a tribute to our people and our clients, who have supported this journey. The King’s Award gives us even greater momentum as we continue to raise standards in financial planning and help create a better future for the communities we serve. We believe strongly that this matters particularly in today’s world.”
