Royal recognition Firms feature in latest Kings Awards for Enterprise

AN ETHICAL bank, an eco toilet paper business and an iconic clothing brand are among the South West recipients of this year's King's Awards for Enterprise.

- Hannah BAKER Business editor [e-mail]

The annual awards recognise businesses which play a “vital role” in growing the economy to improve lives, with categories including international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility.

Of the 197 UK businesses to win, 17 awards went to businesses in the South West of England. Of those, 11 were recognised in the international trade category, one for innovation and five for sustainable development.

Since its inception in 1965, the awards have recognised more than 8,000 companies. The King's Lord Lieutenants - his representatives in each county - will present the awards to businesses locally throughout the year.

Among the South West winners is Bristol-based ethical bank Triodos which scooped a sustainable development award - the fourth time it has received the accolade.

"It's a real honour to for the bank to be recognised," said Triodos's outgoing chief executive, Dr Bevis Watts.