Textile manufacturer AW Hainsworth & Sons in Pudsey and engineering innovator Ionix Advanced Technologies in Leeds have both been honoured in the Innovation category, showcasing the county’s blend of industrial heritage and cutting‑edge technology.
Their success comes in a landmark year for the scheme, which is celebrating 60 years since the first awards were conferred in 1966.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the UK’s most prestigious business honours and span four categories: Innovation, International Trade, Sustainability and Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).
In total, 52 organisations have been recognised for Innovation this year, including the two West Yorkshire winners, highlighting how new ideas from firms of all sizes are driving growth and improving lives.
Out of the 186 awards issued, 164 – almost nine in ten – have gone to SMEs, underlining the vital role smaller businesses play in local economies like West Yorkshire’s.
Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Businesses and Economic Transformation, said: “A huge congratulations to every business receiving awards this year, who once again have illustrated the best of British innovation and talent.
“These awards show that right across the UK, there are small businesses that are thriving, growing and succeeding and it’s only right that we champion these successes.”
AW Hainsworth & Sons, which employs more than 200 people, has been recognised for its high‑performance fabric for wildland firefighter PPE, woven using merino wool to deliver superior moisture‑wicking and breathability in extreme conditions.
A few miles away, Ionix Advanced Technologies has received an Award for its non‑intrusive ultrasonic sensor platform, which enables on‑stream process control and condition monitoring in some of the harshest industrial environments.
Together, they illustrate how West Yorkshire firms are turning specialist expertise into innovations with national and global impact, while flying the flag for the region at the very top level of UK enterprise.