The South West region is celebrating a significant achievement in the latest round of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s most prestigious business accolades. Among the 17 outstanding businesses from Saint Austell to Swindon recognized for their vital contribution to economic growth are several prominent food and drink companies and a tourism destination. Notably, Heligan Gardens, a renowned heritage-focused visitor attraction in Cornwall, The Tracklement Company Limited, English Tea Shop Organic (UK) Ltd, and Hobbs House Bakery Ltd have all been honoured with this distinguished award.
Across the nation, 197 businesses representing a diverse array of sectors have received the 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise, showcasing the ambition, innovation, and success of the UK’s dynamic business community. Within the South West’s impressive cohort of winners, Heligan Gardens received recognition in the Sustainable Development category, underscoring their commitment to environmental stewardship.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports, lauded the South West’s recipients, stating, “There are some exceptional businesses from the South West recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise: from the magical Heligan Gardens to Mixergy’s transformative hot water tank… 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.”
Laura Smith Chesterfield, Managing Director of The Lost Gardens of Heligan, expressed the team’s delight and pride in receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, saying, “The team at The Lost Gardens of Heligan are delighted, honoured, and proud to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Sustainable Development. His Majesty The King has been a tireless champion of sustainability and environmental stewardship for over fifty years. He has led the way with quiet determination and visionary insight, inspiring a national – and indeed global – movement toward a more balanced and respectful relationship with the natural world. We, at Heligan, are intensely proud to stand alongside others in building upon His Majesty’s legacy, and to continue advocating for a nature-friendly future with hope, energy, and purpose.”
The prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise, formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, continue to recognize outstanding UK businesses. This year’s South West winners, including the celebrated tourism destination Heligan Gardens and esteemed food and drink producers The Tracklement Company Limited, English Tea Shop Organic (UK) Ltd, and Hobbs House Bakery Ltd, exemplify the region’s strength and contribution to both the national economy and its vibrant local communities. Their achievements underscore the significant role that South West enterprises play in driving innovation, sustainability, and economic prosperity.
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.
The recipients pass a robust assessment process, judged by experts from industry, academia, the voluntary sector, and senior officials in Whitehall. On that basis, each year, The King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients are recommended by the Prime Minister and approved by His Majesty The King.
Applications for The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 open on 6 May 2025.
Eligible businesses are free to apply for one or more categories. Awards are valid for five years.
