Six Suffolk companies honoured with King's Award this year

The accolade - handed out yearly to the UK's top businesses - recognises achievements across a range of areas from international trade to innovation, sustainable development and social mobility.

Sudbury Silk Mills and Ipswich facilities management company Vertas Group both scooped a sustainable development award.

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Training company Ultimate Training Munitions (UTM) of Mildenhall was honoured for its achievements in international trade.

School data management company Wonde in Newmarket, data software company Chorus Intelligence in Woodbridge and Ipswich-based pollution prevention manufacturer Green Rhino (or Capture Green) were recognised for innovation.

Sudbury Silk Mills is a 300-year-old family business which employs 97 people. It jacquard weaves fabrics for three exclusive companies - Stephen Walters, David Walters and Humphries Weaving - who supply luxury fashion houses and interiors.

Sudbury Silk Mills workshop (Image: Sudbury Silk Mills) Managing director Julius Walters said it was a "prestigious honour" and instilled a strong sense of pride and shared achievement.

“It is a great privilege to be recognised with this award, representing excellence and demonstrating the outstanding achievements of our team," he said. 

"This award acknowledges the hard work and dedication of our team, confirming that their efforts have made a real, tangible, and positive impact. Providing us with motivation for the future, to continue striving for excellence and innovation.”

Green Rhino founder and managing director Ross Atkin said he and his 22-strong team had worked work to achieve their success.

Ross Atkin, Green Rhino (Image: Green Rhino) The company makes Enviropads, which turn oil, diesel and other pollution spills into an inert rubberised material leaving water clean.

"It's such a prestigious award to win after putting so much work in," he said. "To get the acknowledgement - it really does mean a lot to us. 

"We are absolutely delighted - it's a confirmation of all our hard work."

Vertas chief executive Ian Surtees said the award was "a testament to our team's hard work and dedication to sustainability".

Vertas's Ian Surtees and Duncan Johnson (Image: Vertas) "This award not only recognises our efforts but also motivates us to continue making a positive impact throughout the UK. We are proud to contribute to a greener future for our community and colleagues," he said.

Wonde chief executive and co-founder Peter Dabrowa said it was "an incredible honour".

Wonde co-founders from left, Jon Coleman (CDO), middle, Peter Dabrowa (CEO) and right, Philip Clifton (CTO). (Image: Wonde) “Innovation has always been at the heart of what we do, and this award is a reflection of the passion, creativity, and hard work of our entire team," he added.

"We remain committed to developing solutions that support schools and the wider education sector, both in the UK and internationally.”

The company - which employs more than 140 people - provides real-time data integration services to more than 30,000 schools worldwide. 

The Suffolk winners are among 197 businesses to be honoured this year including 19 across the East of England.  

Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said:  “There are some outstanding businesses from the East of England recognised in this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise from Delta Fire’s cutting edge firefighting equipment to Sudbury Silk Mill’s creative craftmanship.   

“I wish the winners every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home in the East of England and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”  

The award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded more than 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965. 

Recipients are recommended by the prime minister and approved by the King. 

Applications for The King’s Awards for Enterprise 2026 open from today. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.