Trafford businesses should apply for UK’s top business award in 2026

GM Business Growth Hub, one of the country’s leading business support organizations, is on a mission to increase the number of Greater Manchester businesses winning the UK’s highest business award.

They’re supporting Trafford businesses to apply for the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026, a prestigious award that celebrates the remarkable achievements of businesses across the UK.

“Trafford and Greater Manchester have some of the most exciting businesses in the nation, and they deserve that recognition,” said Janine Smith, Director of GM Business Growth Hub.

“The importance of winning a King’s award cannot be overstated, but that shouldn’t put businesses off applying. It can seem daunting, which is why we’re doing everything we can to encourage more applications for 2026.”

The awards, which open applications tomorrow (6 May), recognise British businesses and other organizations that excel at international trade, innovation, sustainable development, or promoting opportunity. They are the highest official UK awards for British businesses.

To help businesses succeed in their applications, GM Business Growth Hub is offering specialist support and a series of events and webinars to support businesses applying for the King’s Awards.

The first being a panel event on the 16 May, led by Greater Manchester Deputy Lieutenant Dr. Vikas Shah MBE, a passionate advocate for the awards.

“The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious awards for UK businesses; they are open to businesses of all sizes and winners see a real boost to everything from new business to staff morale.

“We have so many incredible businesses in Greater Manchester who deserve recognition, and I would encourage all businesses to look at the awards and get applying!” Dr. Vikas Shah MBE

Dr. Shah MBE will be joined by previous winners who will discuss the benefits of winning a King’s Award as well as take attendees through the application process and share their experience of writing an award-winning nomination.

Susanna Lawson is a successful entrepreneur and won two Queen’s Awards for her previous company OneFile – a cloud-based e-portfolio system and learning software primarily used in vocational training.

“For OneFile and me, it was an incredible honour to receive two Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in 2017 and 2022 for Innovation. It was a huge recognition for us and our dedication over many years to the post-16 vocational sector. It is definitely one of the highlights of OneFile’s journey. I would definitely recommend applying.

Trafford businesses looking to make the most of this support should visit GM Business Growth Hub’s website or register for the event on the 16 May.

GM Business Growth Hub Support – GM Business Growth Hub | How and Why: Applying for the King’s Award for Enterprise

Event registration – GM Business Growth Hub | Unlocking Success: Discover The Power of The King’s Awards for Enterprise