Three Cumbrian companies are among recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise, announced today.
This year, 197 businesses were recognised by The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of a diverse business community.
24 awards went to businesses in the North West with 17 recognised in the International Trade category, six for Innovation, and one for Sustainable Development.
Family-run systems, applications, products in data processing consultancy, The Config Team, was recognised in the International Trade category.
Formed 30 years ago and with a head office in Milnthorpe, the company counts Kraft Heinz, Dunelm, Carlsberg and Twinings among 100 global customers, across 30 different countries.
Andrew Moses, managing director, said: “We could not be more delighted about winning the King’s Award.
“As an independent, family-owned company, our continued success in overseas markets is testament to the hard work and passion of the whole team.
“Building a successful business can be its own reward, but an award of this magnitude really is the ultimate recognition. We will display the King’s Award emblem proudly as we keep pushing forward, for even more innovation and international growth well into the future.”
Config opened an Australian practice in 2021 after identifying an opportunity in the APAC region. Going from strength to strength, the team in Australia has grown from just two to now more than 20 in the last four years.
Also receiving an award in recognition of their international trade is Cockermouth-based Createc, which works in civil nuclear, defence, rail, aerospace, security and medical sectors all over the world.
Specialising in robotics, radiation measurement, sensing, and AI the company opened a new headquarters last year and employs 56 people on three continents with forty based at its new Cockermouth HQ.
William Newsom, CEO of Createc, said: “I am exceptionally proud of our team for earning our second King’s Award for International Trade.
“This achievement highlights our commitment to innovation and excellence on a global scale.
“Our first King’s Award for Innovation was a testament to our technical creativity and this new accolade reinforces our dedication to expanding our international reach.
“This award means an incredible amount to us as a company, and we look forward to continuing to deliver exceptional results for our clients around the world.”
The Lakes Free Range Egg Company, near Penrith received a Sustainable Development award.
The family-owned business produces and packs free range and organic free range eggs.
Established in 1997 by Helen and David Brass, the business specialises in organic and free-range hens.
One of the latest innovations introduced to the business comes as a result of millions of pounds invested in data technology to improve sustainability, enhance efficiencies and enrich hen welfare further.
The system, BirdBox, is unique – the only one of its kind in the world. David and the team at The Lakes honed their idea over a number of years and developed the practical farm system with FAI Research Institute.
It won The Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the Sustainable Development category in 2018.
Commenting on the honour, David and Helen Brass said, “We are immensely proud to have been awarded this accolade for a second time. No other egg packer has achieved even one award. It is a much-coveted award and is fantastic recognition for our Lakes team, for all their hard work and for their commitment to our sustainable way of working. It is also recognition for the network of family farm producers that follow the same ethical principles and supply us with eggs with such valuable provenance. We are excited to tell everyone and celebrate with our staff, suppliers, and customers.”
