Two businesses from Cumbria have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise.
Cockermouth-based technology firm Createc Ltd were successful in the innovation category and sustainable holiday park The Quiet Site, near Ullswater, was honoured in the sustainable development category.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business awards, offering recipients global acknowledgment that their company is outstanding in its field.
The winners are invited to attend a Buckingham Palace reception and can use the awards emblem as an internationally recognised endorsement.
Createc Ltd, which employs 55 people, was founded in 2010 and provides technological solutions to complex industrial challenges.
The team is behind some of the world’s most advanced applications of emerging sensor technology, robotics, and algorithms.
The King’s Award was given in recognition of the firm’s innovative new approach to developing modular robotics systems.
The firm was previously awarded the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2019 and International Trade in 2018.
Createc’s chief executive Will Newsom said: “It’s an honour to receive this award for a second time.
“Our approach to modular robotics is the secret behind how we rapidly develop, integrate, and deliver bleeding edge robotic solutions for our customers.
“We believe that the barriers to adopting robotics for customers are too high and this must change. The days of behemoth single-supplier systems are dwindling.
“These technologies are constantly evolving, and we need to be able to rapidly bring together systems of the best available platforms, test them and build upon them. Our proprietary robotics software and communication system allows this to happen.”
The Quiet Site was recognised for its excellence in sustainable development.
Employing 22 people, the business was founded in 1963 and offers glamping and pitches for touring vehicles and tents.
Facilities include an old-fashioned bar that dates from 1680, a state-of-the-art wood fired pizza oven and a modern zero-waste shop.
The Quiet Site owner Daniel Holder said: “Everyone here at The Quiet Site is absolutely delighted to have been awarded a King’s Award for Sustainable Development.
“Since winning a Queens Award in 2020 we have been working really hard to develop in a sustainable way.
“We generate 70% of our own energy renewably and have removed gas completely from our operation. We have helped our local community, stakeholders and other local businesses to set up a new local bus network to ease congestion and reduce carbon in our beautiful valley.”
Lord Lieutenant of Cumbria, Alexander Scott said: “I am delighted that two of Cumbria’s outstanding companies have won the King’s Award for Enterprise 2024. This is an exceptional achievement and I congratulate everyone connected with them.
“These awards highlight excellence in Cumbrian companies and demonstrate that we have world-class companies in our county. Many more deserve and would benefit from the recognition that a King’s Award would bring.
“I do hope that those companies who are eligible will take up the challenge to apply. There is evidence from previous winners that the international standing of the award brings tangible benefits to their business.”
