His Majesty The King has been graciously pleased to confer His King’s Award for Enterprise 2026 in the West Midlands* in recognition of the outstanding achievements of:
- Evtec Automotive Ltd, Coventry: for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Evtec Automotive is a UK Tier 1 automotive manufacturer, delivering advanced engineering solutions with a proven track record of inclusivity, performance, innovation and responsible leadership.
- hydraPower dynamics Ltd, Birmingham: for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Established in 1983 hydrapower Dynamics is a manufacturer of fluid handling systems incorporating hoses, manipulated tubes and fabricated assemblies.
- Sandwell College, West Bromwich: for promoting opportunity through social mobility. Sandwell College delivers academic, vocational, and technical education and is the largest Further Education College in the West Midlands working with over 13,000 young people, apprentices and adults each year across three colleges and seven campuses in Sandwell and Birmingham.
Nationally, there are 185 recipients in the 2026 awards with 75 receiving an award for international trade, 52 in innovation, 36 in sustainable development and 22 for promoting opportunity.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were first awarded in 1966 (as The Queen’s Award for Industry) when there were awards in just two categories - export achievement and technological innovation. Nationally, 115 companies were honoured. Since then, around 8,000 organisations have received the award.
The Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands, Mr Derrick Anderson CBE, said the three awards for promoting opportunities through social mobility were a great credit to their organisations’ leadership and workforce.
“Evtec Automotive, hydraPower dynamics and Sandwell College have all recognised the great benefits of engaging with young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to improve their skills, employability, and job prospects. All three have gone above and beyond in their support of the next generation – and I congratulate each of them on their great achievement,” said Mr Anderson
“The King’s Award for Enterprise stands as one of the most respected and globally recognised marks of excellence. These three organisations are united by a shared determination to lead, to innovate and to excel.
The assessment process they have experienced is rigorous and exacting – and it is this thoroughness that gives the King’s Award for Enterprise its international prestige helping recipients to open doors to new markets, partnerships and opportunities in the UK and across the world.
“In the past 60 years, across the UK, around 8,000 businesses have been recognised of which the vast majority are small and medium-sized enterprises, underlining the Award’s crucial role in supporting ambitious, high-growth firms.
"Recipients from our region have during that time, collectively generated billions in annual turnover, created and supported thousands of skilled jobs, demonstrated strong, sustained growth, and improved the prospects of our workforce.”
Recipients of the Kings Award for Enterprise are announced in The Gazette on Wednesday, May 6, 2026.
Recipients are invited to a Royal reception, presented with the award at their company by The Lord-Lieutenant, can fly The King’s Award flag at their main office, and use the emblem on their marketing materials for five years. They also receive a Grant of Appointment (an official certificate) and a commemorative trophy.
“These benefits are not symbolic—they directly contribute to competitiveness, especially in global markets, where the award is widely regarded as a ‘gold standard’ that can open doors to new opportunities,” said Mr Anderson.
“Award recipients consistently report measurable outcomes, including increased commercial value and growth opportunities, greater international recognition and export potential, enhanced visibility and brand credibility and improved staff morale and talent attraction,” he said.
Chief Operating Officer of Evtec Automotive Ltd, Mr Kevin Hubbard, said: “Evtec is deeply honoured to receive this prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise. It recognises the hard work, resilience and commitment of our people, and the way we continue to grow while staying true to our values.
"We believe that when you remove barriers, embrace disability and invest in people’s potential, everyone benefits. Our teams are stronger, more inclusive, loyal, and our business is better because of it. This award belongs to everyone’s hard work and reflects the pride we take in what we do and the high standards we set for ourselves every day while supporting each other to succeed.”
Managing Director of hydraPower dynamics, Mr Patrick Browne, said: “Receiving this award is a proud moment for everyone at hydraPower Dynamics. It recognises not only our long- standing commitment to manufacturing excellence, but also the progress we have made in supporting skills development through education.
"Our partnership with Sandwell College has been particularly important, creating real opportunities for students to gain high-quality training and move into meaningful employment. This award reinforces the value of that collaboration and our ongoing commitment to developing the next generation of talent.”
CEO and Principal of The Sandwell Colleges, Ms Lisa Capper MBE, said: “We are deeply honoured and immensely proud to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise. This award reflects the strength of our commitment to enabling young people to succeed and progress no matter what their background or starting point.
Our ‘Go Further’ project with hydraPower dynamics has shown the power of partnership in getting young people into good jobs in industry through our shared passion for transforming opportunity for all young people from Sandwell and across the region. Together we are creating innovative pathways into industry, raising aspirations, and growing the pipeline of vital skills for the future and reinforces the impact that true collaboration can achieve.
"We are privileged to celebrate this award alongside the achievement of our learners and colleagues, and our partner hydraPower Dynamics."
*The West Midlands comprises Birmingham, Coventry, Dudley, Sandwell, Solihull, Walsall and Wolverhampton.
