Published on behalf of the office of the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset
3 outstanding Somerset businesses have been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise (KAE), recognising excellence in innovation, international trade, and sustainable development.
The 2026 Somerset recipients are:
- Nexus BioQuest – an immunology-focused preclinical research partner, based in Portishead, delivering advanced assays to support drug discovery for biopharma clients worldwide
- Systems Engineering and Assessment (SEA) Ltd – a world-leading defence technology company, with offices at Beckington, near Frome
- Paradigm Norton Financial Planning – a financial planning company, with offices in Pill, North Somerset, helping people invest sustainably, live purposefully and create lasting impact
These awards, among the most respected honours for UK businesses, celebrate organisations that demonstrate exceptional achievement, strong leadership, and a commitment to growth and innovation within their sectors.
Each of the 3 winners represents the very best of Somerset’s diverse and dynamic business community. From cutting-edge scientific advancement and engineering expertise to forward-thinking financial planning, these companies exemplify the strength and resilience of enterprise across the county.
The Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mohammed Saddiq, said:
I am absolutely delighted to congratulate Nexus BioQuest, SEA Ltd, and Paradigm Norton Financial Planning on receiving The King’s Award for Enterprise.
These outstanding businesses showcase the very highest standards of innovation, professionalism, and integrity. It is particularly inspiring to see such excellence thriving here in Somerset, contributing not only to the local economy but also making a significant impact nationally and internationally. They are truly worthy recipients of this prestigious honour.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise (formerly The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise) are granted annually and are approved by His Majesty The King, on the advice of the Prime Minister. Winning businesses are entitled to use the esteemed award emblem for the next 5 years, a mark of excellence recognised worldwide.
Representatives from the Lieutenancy will visit each of the winning organisations in the coming months to formally present the awards on behalf of His Majesty.
Local firms are now being encouraged to apply for next year’s awards. Somerset companies wanting to know more about the King’s Award for Enterprise, and how to apply, can visit gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise or call the helpline on 020 4551 0081.
The following short film has also been produced to explain the benefits of the KAE, featuring Atlantas Marine:
