East Midlands Chamber has congratulated businesses across the region named as recipients of the 2026 King’s Awards for Enterprise, of which six are Chamber members in Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

One of these businesses is East Midlands Manufacturing Network member – West Special Fasteners

West Special Fasteners was named the recipient of an Innovation award. CEO James Hawkins said: “Winning a King’s Award for Enterprise is an incredible honour for our company and a moment of real pride for everyone involved. It recognises years of continuous improvement, resilience, and innovation often through small, incremental changes that have allowed us to keep evolving in a challenging and fast‑moving market.

“This award belongs to every employee, past and present, who has contributed to our success. To receive such recognition for a manufacturing business rooted in Derbyshire is hugely meaningful and reinforces our commitment to investing in our people, advancing UK engineering, and pushing forward for many years to come.”

Celebrating its 60^th year, the King’s Awards for Enterprise are widely considered the most prestigious accolade any UK and Channel Islands business can get.

Award categories cover Innovation; International Trade; Sustainablilty; Promoting Opportunity (through Social Mobility) and new for 2026 is the Young Founder category.

Recipients are issued with an official certificate, known as a Grant of Appointment, and have the right to fly the flag at their head office and use the Award emblem in marketing materials.

East Midlands Chamber Chief Executive Scott Knowles said: “The East Midlands excels and sets a benchmark on innovation, international trade and in promoting social mobility so I’m delighted that so many businesses across the region – including six East Midlands Chamber members – have been recognised for their outstanding achievement.

“To be presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise shows the world you’re a business that is driving growth and one that the whole region can be immensely proud of. I congratulate every East Midlands firm named as a recipient this year and wish them every success.”