The King's Awards for Enterprise’s Post

The Midlands King’s Awards Network (MKAN) convened for the first time yesterday at the University of Birmingham. It was a pleasure to speak on the international trade panel as both a Department for Business and Trade Export Champion and recipient of a Queens Award For Enterprise in 2022. This historic occasion brought together leading businesses from across the region, representing over £7bn in turnover and £294m of investment. Many entrepreneurs have told me how worried they are about expanding internationally, yet for those ready to take that step, export offers an exceptional growth opportunity. While challenges exist, they are surmountable, and the rewards, such as heightened global presence and brand recognition, far outweigh the difficulties. This inaugural Assembly gathered together many of the pioneering The King's Awards for Enterprise recipients setting a new standard for collaboration in pursuit of economic growth across the region. As Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine Partnership, noted – “With over 180 King’s Awards for Enterprise received by Midlands businesses in the past five years – the highest number outside London and the South East – this Assembly and the Network it results in will serve as a powerful platform to build on the region's successes.” Throughout the day, keynote speakers, such as Edwina Dunn OBE, Jenny Tooth OBE and the CEO of the British Business Bank, Louis Taylor, shared valuable insights, contributing to an event that is connecting our region’s brightest businesses with regional business investors, and is a catalyst for future growth. Thanks to my fellow panellists, Eve Davies PhD, Co-Founder and Director at ProtectaPet, Chris Tattersall, CEO of Woolroom, Richard Freeman, CEO at ZEEKO, and panel chair Tim Reid, CEO of UK Export Finance. Together, we engaged in a dynamic discussion about the fundamentals underlying our region’s strong export performance and explored strategies to further empower Midlands businesses to grow their trade overseas. Ian Harrison, Department for Business and Trade, Chloe Palser, The King's Awards for Enterprise, Charlotte Keenan, Emma Heathcote-James, Ninder Johal DL, Midlands Engine. #MKAN #KingsAwards