“It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate in organising these outreach events, to showcase the depth of talent within ethnic minority‑owned businesses and highlight how the King’s Awards for Enterprise can open doors to new
opportunities.” Diana Chrouch, OBE
King’s Award Recipient discussion panel at the King’s Award Outreach Event Leeds. Left to right – Special Advisor to APPG for Ethnic Minority Business Owners Diana Chrouch OBE, and previous recipients of King’s Award for Enterprise Jay Shen and Ashley Bolser | Photography Credit: Nigel Skinner
entrepreneurs, MPs, Peers and business leaders. I valued the thoughtful discussions on enterprise and inclusive economic growth, and appreciated the APPG’s leadership in raising awareness of the King’s Awards for Enterprise. The contribution from Gareth Thomas MP, the then Small Business Minister, was especially welcome.”
The outreach programme directly addresses these disparities by offering clear guidance on the King’s Awards for Enterprise, practical explanations of the application process from the King’s Awards Office, open forum discussions that complement the publicly available guidance, insights from previous Award recipients, a supportive environment that builds confidence and demystifies the process, and a more inclusive and representative pipeline of applicants. The outreach initiative is still in its early stages, but its impact is already clear. By bringing the King’s Awards for Enterprise directly to communities that have historically been underrepresented, the APPG and DBT are helping to ensure that more founders are aware of this national honour and feel confident engaging with it. As the programme continues to grow, the partnership remains committed to ensuring that more outstanding businesses, regardless of background or location, have the opportunity to learn about the Award and apply to be recognised for their contribution to the United Kingdom’s economic and social fabric.
Making a difference Ethnic minority businesses contribute more than £25 billion to the UK economy each year. They are more likely to innovate, more likely to export, and more likely to create local employment. Yet they continue to face disproportionate barriers in accessing business support, finance, networks and national recognition.
King’s Award Outreach Event Leeds. Left to right - Yvonne Stocks DL, Rupa Huq MP, Sandy Needham OBE DL, Diana Chrouch OBE- Special Advisor to APPG for Ethnic Minority Business Owners Photography Credit: Nigel Skinner
King’s Awards Magazine 2026
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