At least three firms operating in the UK IT channel have been handed a King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026.
Designed to recognise “outstanding achievement” in the four areas of innovation, international trade, sustainability and promoting opportunity through social mobility, the award was granted to just 185 organisations this year.
Basingstoke-based IT reseller Sumillion and Braintree-based IT lifecycle services outfit KOcycle are among those to receive the royal nod in the area of sustainability/sustainable development.
Last year, just 27 firms – including Brompton Bicycles – bagged the award in the same category.
Alderley Edge-based software distributor QBS Software received a regal blessing in the area of international trade, meanwhile.
Valid for five years, the accolade will enable this trio to fly the King’s Award flag at their HQ, and use the emblem on their marketing materials.
Each will be presented with the award at their offices by one of the King’s representatives.
“Proudest moment of my life”
David Manners, CEO of Sumillion, characterised the achievement as “definitely the proudest personal moment of my life”.
It reflects Sumillion’s approach to sustainability, which combines “measurable environmental action, circular IT practices, and long‑term social impact through responsible technology”, Manners said.
KOcycle’s zero-landfill pledge and KODI digital inclusion were the driving force behind its King’s award, it claimed, meanwhile.
“The King’s Award for Enterprise is not just a reflection of what we’ve built as a business, but a powerful signal to our clients and partners that they are working with an organisation held to the very highest standards,” stated KOcycle MD Mike Mclellan.
QBS’ accolade comes amid an international expansion drive that has propelled its annual recurring revenues beyond $700m.
“It is an incredible accolade for QBS to receive such formal recognition from the King,” stated QBS Founder and CEO Dave Stevinson.
“This is testament to our global workforce delivering enterprise software to the world’s largest companies.”
