A total of 17 West Country businesses were recognised in the categories of innovation, international trade and sustainability
Luminous Show Technology is based in Exeter(Image: Handout)
A plant-based soap company, a cycling accessories designer and a special effects business are among the South West recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The annual awards celebrate the achievements of outstanding UK businesses and their contribution to economic growth and improving lives. Of the 186 accolades announced this year, 17 went to West Country firms – with eight receiving awards for innovation, five for international trade and four for sustainability efforts.
Bristol-based bike-packing and cycling equipment business Tailfin was the only business in the UK to receive two awards – for innovation and international trade.
The company, on Cumberland Road, is part of the rapidly-growing ‘bike-packing’ market – an adventure-focused cycling discipline where cyclists carry all necessary gear on their bikes.
Tailfin was founded more than a decade ago by Nick Broadbent, a mechanical engineer and product designer, and initially focused on rack and pannier accessories. Today, it has more than 12 product lines distributed from warehouses in the Netherlands, US and Europe, and last year secured major funding to expand its Bristol HQ.
Jack Walker and Nick Broadbent from Tailfin(Image: British Business Bank)
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.”
Elsewhere, Devon-based Luminous Show Technology, a cutting-edge special effects company from Exeter, and Cornish bike mudguard business Mucky Nuts received innovation awards, while Somerset military engineering and software firm Systems Engineering & Assessment scooped an international trade award.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, said: “These outstanding businesses showcase the very highest standards of innovation, professionalism, and integrity. It is particularly inspiring to see such excellence thriving here in Somerset, contributing not only to the local economy but also making a significant impact nationally and internationally. They are truly worthy recipients of this prestigious honour.”
Meanwhile, Cotswold-based natural soap business The Little Soap Company scooped a sustainability award. The firm, which was established by Emma Heathcote-James in 2008, now employs 11 staff, turns over £2.4m a year and its products are stocked by Waitrose, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Morrisons and Boots. The company previously won a Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2022.
Emma Heathcote-James, founder of Little Soap Company(Image: Little Soap Company)
“Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is a real honour,” said Ms Heathcote-James. “Sustainability isn’t just about the products, but the team too. It’s embedded in how we work, how we hire, and how we make decisions every day. This award shows that a small UK business can drive large-scale environmental change through everyday products.”
The King’s Awards, which turn 60 this year, were formerly known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise. More than 8,000 British businesses have been recognised with this royal accolade since 1966.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the king’s representatives in each county – will present the awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each business will also be invited to a special royal reception event.
Full list of King’s Awards 2026 South West winners
Advanced Innergy, Innovation, Gloucestershire
Avantis Education, Innovation, Gloucestershire
Ergochair, Innovation, Gloucestershire
Luminous Show Technology, Innovation, Devon
Mucky Nutz, Innovation, Cornwall
Pet Remedy, Innovation, Devon
Sharpak Yate, Innovation, Bristol
Tailfin, Innovation and International Trade, Bristol
Devoncraft UK, International Trade, Devon
Focal Point Fires, International Trade, Dorset
Nexus BioQuest, International Trade, Somerset
Systems Engineering & Assessment, International Trade, Somerset
Paradigm Norton Financial Planning, Sustainability, Bristol
Services Design Solution, Sustainability, Devon
The Natural Mat Co, Sustainability, Devon
Tops Day Nursery, Sustainability, Dorset
You must be logged in to post a comment Login