Science, software and sustainability recognised by scheme for best in British business
Christian, Ross and Natalie of Stand Out Socks on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2024(Image: BBC )
A socks specialist backed by Dragon Steven Bartlett and a business founded in a garage just five years ago are among the North West firms to be recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.
Twenty North West firms have been honoured in this years’ King’s Awards as the prestigious scheme marks its 60th anniversary.
They include TechPlant, which was founded in a Blackburn garage in 2021 and today sells scientific instruments around the world. Meanwhile previous winners Travel Counsellors and Oliver Valvetek have been recognised again, as has Bolton manufacturer Beldam Crossley in its 150th anniversary year.
Meanwhile Stand Out Socks, which won investment from Peter Jones and Steven Bartlett on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2024, has won royal recognition for its backing of people with Down Syndrome and learning disabilities.
The awards scheme was launched in 1965 as the Queen’s Awards to recognise the best in British business and to honour those firms that are helping to improve lives. It has recognised more than 8,000 British businesses in total.
This year there were 186 recipients in total across the UK. Of them, 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity through social mobility.
This year the awards are launching a new category, for young founders. It will recognise founders aged 18–30 “who are actively leading their businesses and building success with impact”.
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.”
King’s Awards for Innovation
Travel Counsellors
This is the fourth time Manchester’s Travel Counsellors has received a King’s or Queen’s Award. It secured International Trade honours in 2014 and 2020, and previously won an Innovation award in 2003.
This year it was recognised for the development of its technology platform.
Last year Travel Counsellors moved into the North American market with the acquisition of TTAND in Canada. It now works with more than 4,000 travel business owners in countries including the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, South Africa and the UAE.
Steve Byrne, global CEO at Travel Counsellors, said: “We are incredibly proud to receive a King’s Award For Enterprise for the fourth time. Being recognised for Innovation is especially meaningful, because it reflects how our model has evolved as we create ways for travel entrepreneurs to build businesses that truly work for them, including how they can work together to enhance their expertise and offering to corporate travel clients, supported with the freedom, flexibility and guidance they need to succeed.”
Travel Counsellors CEO Steve Byrne (Image: Paul Heyes)
“What sets our community apart is the care and human connection they bring to every client relationship. Those values guide how we continue to shape the model and the technology that supports it, and it’s this combination of a high‑tech, high‑touch approach that helps our Travel Counsellors tell powerful stories, inspire connections and build lasting client loyalty.
“Ultimately, this award belongs to our global community. Their dedication, passion and entrepreneurial spirit are what make Travel Counsellors a truly special to be, and I’m deeply grateful for the role each individual plays in our continued success.”
Chemical Processing Services
The firm based in Wrightington, Wigan, has been recognised for its Innovative new disruptive technology for epoxy systems.
Boss Paul Jones told BusinessLive he was “delighted” to receive the award. He said: “This award recognises our work in developing high-performance chemical solutions that avoid the use of CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reprotoxic) substances, addressing a long-standing challenge in the sector. Our approach demonstrates that it is possible to deliver demanding technical performance while significantly improving health and environmental outcomes.
“This innovation builds on a sustained programme of research and development within the company, translating advanced chemical design into scalable, real-world applications. It reflects our commitment not only to performance and commercial value, but also to safer and more responsible chemistry.
“Having previously received a King’s Award, it is particularly meaningful to be recognised again—for further innovation in safer chemical technologies. We see this as part of a wider shift within the industry toward more sustainable and scientifically grounded solutions, and we are proud to be contributing to that progress.”
Idem Safety Switches
Idem, based in Hindley Green, Wigan, was recognised for its development of a safety switch with dual anti-tamper features, incorporating RFID technology, providing enhanced protection from forced entry.
The company said: “Idem are very proud to receive its 4th King’s Award for Enterprise.
This recognises the continued devotion to innovation in safety switches and the overriding mission of keeping people safe in industry.“
Internet Investigations Solutions
Liverpool-based IIS was honoured for its work providing “world-class secure internet intelligence and investigation solutions to carefully vetted public service organisations”.
New Reg
The number plate and personalised registration specialist, based in Longton, Preston, was recognised for its “AI-driven system, automating the identification and pricing of vehicles, providing seamless integrated holistic customer experience”.
Oliver Valvetek
This is the third King’s or Queen’s Award for Oliver Valvetek, its first in the innovation category, and the fourth award overall across Knutsford’s wider Oliver group.
This year’s recognition for Valvetek is for the development of its Face Seal arrangement for subsea gate valves, which the company says has “delivered a major improvement in sealing performance, reliability and manufacturability for demanding subsea applications, particularly where high pressure and deepwater performance are critical”.
Engineering director Nick Howard said: “This is a very proud moment for the business. To have our efforts recognised by such a high standard as the King’s Award is a significant achievement, and one that reflects the innovative skills we have within our engineering and R&D teams here at Oliver’s.
“This award recognises the forward-thinking development that takes place across the business and the quality of the products we continue to deliver. It is a strong endorsement of our engineering capability, our technical knowledge and our willingness to keep improving the solutions we provide for our customers.
“The award will support our continued global growth, open new opportunities, and strengthen our ability to invest in research and development and attract high-calibre people into the business.
“Most importantly, this achievement belongs to the wider team. Innovation does not happen in isolation. It relies on engineering, production, quality, testing, sales, purchasing and every function working together to turn an idea into a proven product that customers trust.”
Quantum Science
The Daresbury tech business has been recognised for its work developing INFIQ infrared quantum dot technology. It says the product has “real commercial momentum” and that it could be used in fields including consumer electronics, automotive systems, industrial automation, medical diagnostics and defence.
Dr Hao Pang, founder and CEO of Quantum Science, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation is a tremendous honour for Quantum Science. It is a proud moment for the business and a reflection of the dedication, technical expertise and persistence of our team.
“This award recognises the progress we have made in developing INFIQ® into a practical and scalable platform for short-wave infrared imaging. We believe it will help strengthen our profile with customers, partners and investors as we continue to expand commercial adoption of the technology.”
King’s Awards for International Trade
Muhammad Geloo and Aziz Bham, co-directors of TT Instruments, at their Blackburn headquarters(Image: TT Instruments)
TechPlant
When two friends founded their hi-tech equipment supply business in a Blackburn garage during the Covid pandemic, they could never have believed that five years later they’d win a King’s Award for their international success.
Muhammad Geloo and Aziz Bham had no investors, no loans, and no prior experience in the sector when they joined forces in the back of Dock Street Garage to source, restore and resell high-value precision instruments that had been disposed of or written off by large organisations.
Five years on their business TechPlant, which trades as TT Instruments, employs six and sells to more than 70 countries worldwide with almost 80% of its turnover coming from international customers. Its directors remain proud they have never received a government grant or taken on external debt.
Director Muhammad Geloo said: “Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade is something Aziz and I are incredibly proud of. We started TT Instruments five years ago from the back of a garage in Blackburn with nothing — no investors, no loans, no experience.
“We built a multi-million pound international business exporting precision instruments to over 70 countries worldwide, entirely on our own terms. Every instrument we sell has been sourced from UK corporate disposal cycles and given a second life rather than going to waste. This award means everything to us and to Blackburn.”
Altus Science
The Runcorn biotech firm has been recognised for its global success providing Certified Reference Materials (CRMs) for the life science industry.
The company told BusinessLive: “Our goal has always been to make high-quality, compliant standards whilst supporting our customers through technical, scientific expertise. This customer-focused approach to producing standards accredited to the highest possible quality standards has resulted in fantastic organic growth over the last three years. We are extremely proud to be awarded the King’s Award in recognition of this.”
From left, Beldam Crossley managing director Dave Haxton, finance director Chris Parkinson, and sales director Gareth Holt(Image: Beldam Crossley)
Beldam Crossley
Hi-tech manufacturer Beldam Crossley has been recognised for its recent growth in overseas sales. Overseas sales increased by more than 93% from 2022 to 2024, with key markets including the United States, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Spain, Portugal and West Africa.
The Bolton company can trace its history back to 1876 and has been trading under its current name since 1914. Today it makes high-performance polymer components, bearings and sealing systems used in sectors including aerospace, offshore energy, marine, defence, chemical processing, food production and industrial engineering.
Dave Haxton, managing director of Beldam Crossley, said: “Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade is a proud moment for everyone at Beldam Crossley. It reflects the dedication of our people, the loyalty of our customers and partners, and the strength of British engineering in global markets.
“We are proud to manufacture in Bolton and export specialist solutions that help customers solve complex engineering challenges around the world.”
Northern Consortium UK
The Manchester group has been recognised for its UK university pathway programmes with partners in more than 40 countries worldwide.
Stuart Smith, chief executive officer of NCUK said: “The King’s Award is the ultimate recognition of what our team and our international partners have built together. It also reflects the progress we have made as an organisation over the last few years. I am immensely proud of the work of everyone at NCUK and our global community.
“Together, we will build on this recognition to continue increasing access for students worldwide, support educators around the globe in delivering international qualifications in their own countries, and strengthen the internationalisation and quality of education standards worldwide.”
PSW Integrity
The Birkenhead-based business was recognised for “supporting industries worldwide in asset management and reliability engineering, optimising operational efficiency and sustainability”.
Dave Stevinson, chief executive at QBS Technology Group(Image: QBS Technology Group)
QBS Technology Group
The Alderley Edge software firm was honoured for its overseas sales success supply software “that the world’s largest companies use each and every day”.
Dave Stevinson, Group CEO QBS Software, said: “I am incredibly proud to receive this recognition from the King. In the last eight years, since starting the company, our international sales have gone from zero to well over half a billion dollars of recurring revenue.
“We are on target to go beyond a billion dollars by 2030, through our investment in people and technology.”
Redmayne 1860
Carlisle’s Redmayne 1860 was honoured for its work “combining tradition and technology to deliver British bespoke tailoring to a global audience”.
The company told BusinessLive: “To receive The King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade is a tremendous honour for all of us here at Redmayne. As a Cumbrian firm with over 160 years of heritage, it is a particularly proud moment not only for British craftsmanship, but for the tradition of craftsmanship here in Cumbria.
“This recognition belongs to our entire team, young and old, and to our next generation of craftsmen and women who are carrying our Redmayne’s legacy forward. Above all, our sincere thanks go to our clients around the world, whose loyalty, support, and appreciation of our commitment to excellence make our work possible.”
Lisa Roberts, Managing Director of SQS, which has won a King’s Award for Enterprise(Image: SQS)
Sterling Quality Services
Exports now make up more than 78% of total sales at Sterling Quality Services (SQS), which delivers inspection, expediting and supply chain assurance services in the energy, infrastructure and science sectors.
It’s been recognised for its 195% growth in overseas revenue over the past three years. The group now operates across 50 countries, backed by a network of more than 2,000 inspectors.
Lisa Roberts, managing director of SQS, said: “Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise is an incredible honour for SQS and a proud moment for our entire team. This recognition reflects the trust our global clients place in us, the depth of expertise across our international inspection network, and our commitment to delivering high‑quality, ethical supply chain assurance worldwide.
“As a B Corp, we’ve always believed that sustainable growth, innovation, and doing the right thing go hand in hand — and this award reinforces that belief.”
King’s Awards for Promoting Opportunity
Stand Out Enterprises
Stand Out Socks won investment on BBC Dragons’ Den in 2024 for its work empowering people with Down Syndrome and learning disabilities. The colourful sock business was co-founded by an entrepreneur with Down Syndrome, Ross Laing, and has created thousands of hours of paid work for people with Down Syndrome.
On Dragon’s Den, the Warrington business received offers from four of the five Dragons and ultimately took investment from Steven Bartlett and Peter Jones.
Co-founder Christian Laing said: “We are truly overwhelmed and deeply honoured to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise. It is hard to put into words what this means to us.
“Stand Out Socks began with a simple belief – that people with learning disabilities deserve real, paid, meaningful work and the chance to be seen for what they can do, not what they are assumed not to be able to do. What started as an idea has grown into a family, a movement, and a mission that changes lives every single day – including our own.
Stand Out Socks has created thousands of hours of paid work for people with Down Syndrome
“This award is not just recognition of a business. It is recognition of every single person in our team who shows up with pride, determination, and joy. It belongs especially to the incredible individuals with learning disabilities who are at the very heart of everything we do – they are the reason we exist, and they are the reason we keep pushing forward.
“We are also incredibly grateful to our customers, partners, and supporters who have believed in us, backed us, and helped turn this vision into reality. Without them, none of this would be possible.
“This moment means so much – not just for us, but for what it represents. We hope it shows that when people are given the right opportunity, they don’t just take part… they thrive, they lead, and they change the world around them.”
Laltex & Company Limited
The Laltex Group, from Leigh, has been recognised for the success of its supported employment initiative designed to create opportunities for individuals who face significant barriers to work. It has worked with organisations such as Seashell Trust to support people with complex learning disabilities to get employment experience and to develop skills, confidence, and independence.
Sanjay Mulchand, CEO, said: “This award is testament to the dedication of our teams and partners and reinforces our belief that businesses can play a vital role in driving positive social change.”
The Forshaw Group
Property restoration specialist The Forshaw Group was recognised for the development of its INS-Pire academy that aims to encourage young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, into the insurance and construction industries.
Liam Hanlon, managing director of Knowsley’s Forshaw Group, said: “We are beyond delighted to be presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise: Promoting Opportunity. This achievement is a culmination of many years of commitment to social mobility within our community, and beyond. It is not only a celebration of the work we do at The Forshaw Group, but it is also recognition of all the incredible organisations and companies we partner with.
“We have only been able to achieve what we have through the commitment, support, enthusiasm, effort and energy of all the people, initiatives and organisations who we are proud to work closely with.”
King’s Awards for Sustainability
Protec International
Protec International, of Adlington, Stockport, makes, supplies and recycles temporary protection materials and sustainable site signage. It has been recognised for its efforts to cut plastic waste and its work remanufacturing materials, reducing carbon, and maximising social value in construction.
CEO James Harrison said he was “honoured” the company had won the award. He said: “This recognition reflects the collective effort across our business and a shared mindset: ‘Where others see plastic waste, we see wasted plastic’.
“By collecting and reprocessing post-consumer materials previously used on site, we are helping to close the loop within the construction industry and deliver practical, scalable solutions for our customers.”
Gillian Lockley, MD at Topspeed Couriers, with Stephen Clegg, CEO & Founder at Topspeed, which has won a King’s Award for Enterprise(Image: Andrew Collier Photography Ltd)
Topspeed Couriers
Topspeed Couriers of Wilmslow has been recognised for its work in sustainable logistics, decarbonising its fleet and providing second chance employment.
The business was founded in 1985 by CEO Stephen Clegg to specialise in the secure transport of controlled and regulated goods. It now employs more than 100 people.
Mr Clegg said: “Winning the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a huge moment for Topspeed, and I’m incredibly proud that our commitment to operating responsibly has been recognised at a national level.
“This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our whole team, and the support of our customers and partners who’ve worked alongside us to put a robust Carbon Reduction Plan in place and keep raising the bar for more sustainable, secure logistics.”
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