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06
May
Two local firms win UK's most prestigious business award
Two local companies have been given the King’s Award for Enterprise, it was announced today.
Boroughbridge-based Ardent and Harrogate-based Techbuyer are among 185 companies named by the Department for Business and Trade as recipients of the UK’s most prestigious business award.
Ardent, which sells fire detection and suppression systems for vehicles, has been recognised for its success in international trade. The company sells into more than 80 countries and has long serviced the mining industry in Africa, with operations in Tanzania and Ghana.
CEO Neil Crowther, who founded the company more than 30 years ago, told the Stray Ferret:
I’m incredibly proud of what the team has achieved over the years. Recognition like the King’s Award is important, but for me it reflects the relationships we’ve built and the trust we’ve earned by consistently delivering for our customers.
That’s what we remain focused on, doing good work for the people who rely on us and continuing to keep people safe and solve the problems that matter.
Techbuyer, which refurbishes and sells IT equipment, has been recognised in the Sustainability category. Over the last four years alone, it has diverted more than 1,000 tonnes of hardware from landfill annually. The company also won in the International Trade category in 2020.
CEO Steve Sexton told us:
We're incredibly proud to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise, particularly for Sustainable Development – a core aspect of our business.
This recognition reflects the commitment, expertise and values of our company and team, as well as the impact that our circular IT model delivers – reducing the impact of IT on our environment, without compromising on performance, efficiency or reliability. It reinforces our belief that sustainability and commercial success must go hand in hand.
This year marks 60 years since the first honours were conferred in 1966. Established in 1965, the programme has since recognised more than 8,000 exceptional UK businesses.
Originally known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, they were renamed upon King Charles’ accession to the throne four years ago.
To mark this anniversary year – and to ensure the awards continue to reflect the evolving landscape of UK business – a new category has been introduced: the King’s Award for Enterprise – Young Founder.
Created as part of the Department for Business and Trade’s Small Business Plan, the Award will recognise founders aged 18 to 30 who are actively leading their businesses and driving growth and opportunity.
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.
Of the 186 awards announced (two went to one company), 89% went to SMEs. In Yorkshire and the Humber, just 13 companies have been honoured.
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