Cambridge region welcomes King’s Award recognition for outstanding companies
Five companies in the Cambridge region have been listed in the third year of The King’s Awards for Enterprise.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise were announced in four categories – International Trade, Innovation, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility – yesterday (6 May). Each award celebrates the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognises their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.
This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors have been recognised by King Charles as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.
Overall, 19 recipients are based in the East of England. Of the awards handed out to businesses in the region, eight were given in the International Trade category, seven for Innovation, four for Sustainable Development, and one for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these play a key role in the government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of the Plan for Change.
The five companies in the region which have been awarded a 2025 King’s Award are:
- Costello Medical (International Trade): Costello Medical is a medical communications company founded by Sophie Costello and Richard Short in 2008. Now with 450 employees on board, Costello works with pharmaceutical companies, analysing data from clinical trials and communicating it to various audiences, including doctors and patients.
- Data Conversion Systems (Innovation): Incorporated in 1986, dCS Audio creates pioneering audio systems that separate the core aspects of the playback process for performances that are technically precise and musically profound.
- Global Graphics Software (Innovation): Also founded in 1986, Cambourne-based GGS has developed intelligent SmartDFE printing software to meet the most demanding printing applications from commercial printing to labels and packaging and industrial inkjet.
- GT Engine Services (International Trade): Stansted-based GTES was founded in 2010 by Greg MacLeod to provide specialised jet engine maintenance, repair, and storage solutions to airlines and aircraft operators worldwide. Aircraft inventory specialist STS Aviation Services acquired GTES in May 2024, expanding its MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) capabilities.
- Wonde Limited (Innovation): Established by Peter Dabrowa and Philip Clifton in 2015, Wonde’s school data management platform helps schools manage and control their data, ensuring secure and timely data access for third-party applications.
“We are deeply honoured to receive the King’s Award for International Trade, which recognises our commitment to excellence and innovation in the global marketplace,” said Sophie Costello, CEO and director of Costello Medical. “Receiving this award is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our entire team, and their relentless pursuit of delivering exceptional strategic support and customer service to our international clients.”
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.”
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – the King’s representatives in each county – present the awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
