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Why the King’s Award is worth entering – and how to make the most of it

  • Hannah Kitchener
  • Associate Director
  • July 11, 2025

Earning a King’s Award for Enterprise isn’t easy – but the rewards are real. With first-hand experience of both entering and winning, we share why it’s worth the effort, what makes a successful entry, and how to use the win to strengthen your brand.

The King’s Award for Enterprise is one of the most respected accolades available to UK businesses, bestowed annually on a select group of companies that demonstrate outstanding achievement in innovation, sustainable development, or international trade.

We are absolutely thrilled that two of our UK manufacturing clients have been recognised in the international trade category over the last year – an honour we at SE10 received for exporting industrial PR services when it was known as the Queen’s Award. So we know firsthand what an exciting occasion it is and the value it can bring.

What makes the King’s Award special

Winners nominate a representative to attend a reception at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle with the rare opportunity to meet members of the British royal family, as well as network with other business leaders from across the UK.

Later, the Lord-Lieutenant of your county – the monarch’s personal representative – visits your site to formally present the award. It’s a proud moment that brings the whole team together. At SE10, we’re still talking about it several years later. We were also touched to receive a personal letter of congratulations and support from our local MP, which we displayed for everyone to see.

Whatever your views on the monarchy, it’s hard to deny the sense of ceremony, importance, and national pride these events bring. It’s not something people forget.

Turning recognition into results

Of course, the benefits go well beyond a photo opportunity and a party. The royal seal of approval signals quality and credibility not just to customers but also to prospective employees, partners, and investors.

For SE10, winning the Queen’s Award helped solidify our position as an industrial B2B PR agency with truly global capabilities. It was a talking point with potential clients in the UK, especially those looking for a communications partner who understands the complexities and nuances of international business.

The award win can even become the centre of a communications campaign across trade and local media, social channels, and internal comms that highlights your success, recognises your people, and reinforces your brand values. There are many opportunities for content creation around the award journey – from the announcement to the royal reception and employee celebrations.

Tips for a successful King’s Award entry

The application process is thorough and, having gone through the process ourselves, and supported clients through it too, we know what makes a strong entry in the international trade category. Here’s what we’ve learnt.


  • Don’t leave it to the last minute. Gathering all the information takes time, as does the planning, writing, and reviewing. This isn’t a form you want to rush. 

  • Involve your finance team. Much of the entry in the international trade category is centred on financial performance and export growth. You’ll need accurate data – rigorously checked – to back up your claims.


  • Tell a clear story. Outline your international growth strategy and explain how it has delivered results. Show the link between what you set out to do and what you’ve achieved.


  • Demonstrate your wider impact. Judges also want to know how you treat your people, support your community, and minimise your environmental impact. Include examples, data, and testimonials where you can.


  • Use your word count wisely. Don’t waffle. Be clear and concise and make every sentence work hard. Aim to include as much relevant information as possible, while still keeping it readable and engaging.
Whether you’re planning to enter – or your business has already won and needs to maximise this incredible PR opportunity – SE10 can help. As former recipients and specialists in industrial B2B communications, we know how to tell your story with clarity, evidence, and impact.

Schedule a free PR consultation with our team.

Hannah Kitchener

Associate Director

About the author

Hannah is an associate director in the UK, leading strategic campaigns for industrial clients across the EMEA region. A professionally qualified journalist (NCTJ), she combines specialist sectoral knowledge in construction, energy, and materials handling with a strong network of trade media contacts to secure valuable coverage. Her expertise in inter-cultural communication, honed by degrees in modern languages and translation, is key to executing campaigns that succeed across diverse European markets.

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