Shropshire businesses honoured as The King’s Awards for Enterprise celebrate diamond anniversary

A trio of Shropshire firms are celebrating today after being named among the recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise. The announcement comes as the UK’s most prestigious business awards mark a significant milestone, celebrating 60 years since the first honours were conferred in 1966.

A total of 186 awards have been issued across the UK and Channel Islands, recognising outstanding achievements in International Trade, Innovation, Sustainability, and Promoting Opportunity. In Shropshire, the spotlight fell on Thermserve Limited, Fowler and Gilbert Ltd, and Pave-Aways Limited, each of whom have been recognised for their vital contribution to economic growth and the improvement of lives within their communities.

This anniversary year also sees the evolution of the awards with the introduction of a new category, the Young Founder award, designed to champion entrepreneurs aged 18 to 30. The programme, formerly known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, was renamed four years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s commitment to continuing the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating the very best of British business.

Among the local success stories is Knockin-based construction specialist Pave-Aways Limited, which received its first ever King’s Award for Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility. The accolade recognises the company’s "Looking After Our Workforce" initiative, launched during the pandemic to focus on staff wellbeing and regional development. The programme has boosted the career prospects of nearly 500 people, including many from disadvantaged backgrounds, and has seen the firm’s average length of service rise to over a decade.

Managing Director Steven Owen, who joined the business as a site engineer nearly thirty years ago, dedicated the award to his late father, a farm labourer whose hard work inspired Steven to provide better opportunities for others. The firm, which recently completed a major project for Ercall Wood Academy and is currently refurbishing Wellington Market, has seen 20 per cent growth in the last year, proving that social responsibility and commercial success go hand in hand.

“Receiving the email confirming the King’s Award for Enterprise was a proud moment, not just personally but for everyone who has contributed to the journey,” explained Steven Owen, who joined the business as a Site Engineer in 1997 before taking over as Managing Director in 2011 following a management buyout.

“We’ve always been clear that opportunity is not just about entry into work; it is about progression, upskilling and actively supporting people to move forward.

“My motivation comes from my dad, a farm labourer who worked hard all his life for some of the best in the business. He started work at 14 and stayed in that role until he unexpectedly passed away in his mid-60s and I always felt he deserved more opportunity.”

He continued: “We support our team to develop and progress, particularly those who may have had less access to progression, and we also look to make a positive difference in the communities where we deliver our projects.

“This approach has so far supported nearly 500 people and the King’s Award is in recognition of each and every one of those success stories.”

Also celebrating in its 15th anniversary year is Fowler and Gilbert Ltd. The engineering firm, which specialises in the design and manufacture of steel-framed buildings, was recognised in the Promoting Opportunity category.

Managing Director Lee Gilbert described the honour as an incredible milestone that reflects the dedication of his fifty-strong team. The company has been lauded for its inclusive recruitment and clear progression routes, serving as a model for workforce development in the engineering sector while also being shortlisted for the Shropshire Chamber Company of the Year.

Managing Director Lee Gilbert said: “To receive a King’s Award in our 15th year is an incredible honour and being shortlisted for Shropshire Chamber Company of the Year means a great deal to us as a local business. It reflects the hard work of our team and our belief that strong businesses can have a positive impact on their communities.”

Rounding out the Shropshire winners is Thermserve Limited, which received an award for International Trade, highlighting the county’s reach in the global marketplace. They join a national cohort where nearly 90 per cent of winners are small and medium-sized enterprises, underscoring the government’s mission to support the "beating heart" of the economy.

Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, Blair McDougall, offered his congratulations to the winners, noting that the awards illustrate the best of British talent.

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.”  

Throughout the year, His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants will present the awards to these businesses locally, and representatives from each firm will be invited to a special Royal reception to mark their achievement in this historic 60th year.