Two Essex businesses have received the King’s Award for Enterprise, the most prestigious UK business award
Congratulations to Tracked Carriers, now known as Aconda, of Witham and GT Engine Services of Stansted for winning the King’s Awards for Enterprise 2025
Jennifer Tolhurst, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, congratulated the winners and said: “These Awards signal excellence and recognise outstanding achievement. They are recognised throughout the world as a benchmark of quality.”
Aconda (‘formerly Tracked Carriers) won the Award for Innovation. Tom Cannon, Managing Director, explains that his company’s machinery is used to move heavy items, for example, heavy steel beams, around building sites. Aconda’s machines are a “problem solver.”
Speaking on the day of the announcement, he said the Award will provide confidence to customers and dealers. “We’ve been vetted.” He was prompted to apply for a King’s Award by an adviser from Backing Essex Business, a scheme funded by Essex County Council.
He found the application process is long. His advice is to take it in “bite-sized” chunks and “give yourself plenty of time.” The company, which is seven years old and was until recently based in Tiptree, had just nine employees at the time of its application.
GT Engine Services won the Award for International Trade. Greg Macleod, Managing Director, said: “The whole team is delighted. It is a lovely surprise.” The company, which has grown from five to 85 employees since it started in 2010, provides an engine maintenance service to the global aviation industry.
Greg had previously thought the Award was out of GT’s reach but another company in the aviation industry prompted him to apply. Overseas sales, mostly to Ireland and the US, account for 70% of the total. He found the process was clear. “At first sight it looked a little daunting,” he said, but managed it by sharing out the load with colleagues.
“This is wonderful recognition for the team here. The American part of our business is bowled away too.”
Applications for the next round of the King’s Award for Enterprise are due by 9th September 2025.
Find out more at: http://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise
Find out more about The King’s Award for Enterprise on our dedicated page >
