King's Award for Enterprise - why should Norfolk businesses enter?
Norfolk businesses are being urged to put themselves forward for the 2027 King's Award for Enterprise, one of the UK's highest business honours.
Open to organisations of all sizes, and now featuring a new 'Young Founders' category, the awards offer national recognition, international credibility and the chance to celebrate outstanding achievement.
At Norfolk Business Board, we're passionate about championing local businesses, and this is a powerful platform to attract attention for all the innovative, ambitious and successful businesses in our county.
Mike Harrowven, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk, leads the King's Awards for Enterprise programme, helping Norfolk businesses showcase their achievements on the global stage.
Also a Norfolk Ambassador, in this quickfire Q&A interview, Mike explains why businesses should apply, what the process involves and how previous winners report a boost in growth, confidence and sales.
If you'd like to get your King's Award submission underway - join this webinar on Tuesday 30 June to benefit from tips and practical advice for writing a sparkling, compelling entry.
Interview with Mike Harrowven, Norfolk lead for the King's Award for Enterprise programme
Why should Norfolk businesses enter?
"This is an opportunity to gain Royal recognition and celebrate the very best businesses in our county.
"Winning the King's Award for Enterprise brings five years of recognition, with past winners reporting stronger sales, improved recruitment and retention, excellent PR opportunities and greater credibility.
"Norfolk is a fast-growing economic region with so many success stories still to be told.
"This isn't just for large organisations. If you have more than two full-time employees, you can apply. It's free to enter and businesses can submit applications in more than one category.
"It's a rigorous process assessed by experts from business, academia, the third sector and Whitehall, meaning the awards are respected around the world.
"It's also the only UK honour you can nominate yourself for."
What's new for 2027?
A 'Young Founders' category has been introduced for entrepreneurs aged 18-30 for the first time this year.
"This category recognises early-stage businesses demonstrating strong purpose, scalable potential, community contribution and innovation.
"It goes to show that you don't have to be an established brand with a huge headcount to be recognised and presents an exciting opportunity to celebrate the Norfolk innovators and disruptors making a positive impact."
What should businesses know about the process?
"First, mark Tuesday 8 September - the deadline date - in your diary and work backwards from there.
"The application is thorough and like an audit, so you do need to block out time and be prepared for the scrutiny. I advise businesses to allow around 30 hours to complete it and involve a project team where possible, so it doesn't all fall to one person.
"Entering does require a serious commitment, but it's not as complex as many people think and the paybacks of winning can be enormous."
What are the benefits of winning?
Winners can use the Royal Emblem for five years, providing a recognised mark of quality and trust.
"Receiving this royal recognition signals that you are an outstanding British brand and can attract global attention, with many winners reporting increased sales, contract values and overseas trade."
Where can businesses get help?
"Lots of support is available, so do reach out and take that up. I can review applications and provide feedback, while UEA Business School can help strengthen submissions by casting their eye over draft submissions and provide critical feedback before you submit the final entry.
"My advice is to seek expert, specialist support where possible. Award specialists understand what judges are looking for and can help businesses present their story in the strongest possible way, so its crystal clear what you do, who you do it for, and why you're an outstanding business in your category."
A final message from Mike Harrowven, Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Norfolk
"Norfolk businesses are doing incredible work, but often very quietly.
"It's time for Norfolk businesses to step into the spotlight and get the recognition they deserve. I truly believe there are more Norfolk winners out there, and I encourage businesses to apply."
Past Norfolk winners say 'go for it'
James Gulliver, Executive Chairman, Netmatters
Winner: King's Award for Promoting Opportunity, 2025
On the process
The assessment process is reassuringly rigorous, signalling that it's an esteemed honour to be bestowed on a company. It's not simply handed out to anyone, and that means it's worth entering. I would argue it's the most prestigious UK business award you can win.
Advice for businesses thinking of entering
Assign someone to lead the project but involve all your experts across the business. We had a project lead spearheading the award entry process, who brought together other team members to contribute and take part in interviews. It was a truly collaborative, company-wide effort, and that means everyone felt a sense of ownership, making it a proud moment for all when we won.
On the benefits
At Netmatters, the business has directly benefited from this clear signal of trust and the added credibility it has brought to our brand. Certainly, in tender and pitch processes, potential clients sit up and take notice. It's an award that demonstrates you are having a positive impact; that you are a good business doing good things. Anyone can say that, but a King's Award backs it up.
For businesses looking to constantly move forward, improve, and be better, you should absolutely strive to enter the King's Award for Enterprise. The kudos has internal benefits too. Being able to display the emblem signals that we're an ethical company; one that our people are proud to work for and represent.
Julie Furnell, Managing Director, Mobilityways
Winner: King's Award for Sustainable Development, 2024
On the process
The application process is more straightforward than people expect. If you're already tracking your impact, you've done most of the work. The key is giving yourself time to tell the story clearly."
Advice for businesses thinking of entering
Just go for it. Too many brilliant Norfolk businesses undersell what they've achieved. The Award exists to recognise exactly the kind of innovation and impact that's happening right here in our region, don't assume it's only for the big names."
On the benefits
Winning the King's Award has opened doors we didn't expect, from credibility with enterprise clients to attracting talent who want to work somewhere that stands for something. It signals that what you're doing genuinely matters.
Rupert Hargreaves, Co-owner and director, Global Plant Genetics
Winner: Queen's Award for International Trade, 2022
On the process
Thorough but ultimately very rewarding. It encouraged us to take a step back and reflect on our achievements, growth, and impact as a business. While it required a clear and detailed submission, the structure helped guide us effectively, to showcase the key strengths of our international work.
Advice for businesses thinking of entering
Fill in the pre application form even if you are just thinking about it. It takes a few minutes and will give you a quick steer on whether you are eligible of not. Then; I would contact Mike Harrowven and if possible, get aligned with a previous winner for some practical advice and discussion.
On the benefits
The benefits are far and wide. It is the most prestigious award a UK business can win and everyone in business knows that.
Our international clients loved the whole story, and it truly elevated our image internationally as well as at home. It was equally as motivating and exciting for our wonderful team who all play such a crucial role in our continued business growth.
And of course, being invited to Buckingham Palace was a highlight as was the beautiful presentation of the award by Lady Dannatt, Lord Lieutenant of Norfolk accompanied by her husband General, The Lord Dannatt.
Ready to enter the King's Award for Enterprise?
On Tuesday 30 June - Mike Harrowven will be hosting a webinar to explain more about the King's Award for Enterprise. Find out more, including top tips for how to write your entry. Kindly supported by Birketts and Netmatters. Register on Eventbrite
Published: 18 June 2026
