In an open letter to veterans, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:
To our veterans, As we approach the VE Day anniversary, I want to salute your ongoing dedication to keeping our country safe.
This week, we celebrate the greatest victory our armed forces ever secured. And like so many families across the country, my relatives served and fought in the Second World War. Therefore, it is the highest honour of my role to meet veterans of that conflict. I think of people like Stanley Fisher and Mervyn Kersch, two Jewish veterans of the Normandy landings, who went on to become eyewitnesses to the horrors of the Bergen Belsen concentration camp in the early days of its liberation by British forces.
Their stories – and countless others we will hear this week – are a reminder that our victory was not just for Britain. It was also a victory for good against the assembled forces of hatred, tyranny and evil. VE Day is a chance to acknowledge, again, that our debt to those who achieved it can never fully be repaid.
Yet as the nation falls silent on Thursday, I know that my mind will also turn to those who carry the torch of their legacy in our armed forces today – people like you. As time marches on, we all have a responsibility to renew the bonds of our history so that future generations inherit our national story as their own.
But alongside our history and our values, service is the other great force that binds a nation together. So this week, I want you to know: the whole nation is inspired by the selfless dedication of your example. It is not just that you keep us all safe.
It is also that you represent the best of who we are. A living link of service that unites the values we must stand for in the present, with the stories we must pass down from our past.
Furthermore, I know that this is not without sacrifice. I will always remember the conversation I had with a sub-mariner in Faslane, who brought home exactly what over 200 days a year underwater means for the simple things most families take for granted. Missing birthdays, weddings, anniversaries.
Not being there in the photographs. From the Carrier Strike Group at sea, to our postings in Estonia, Cyprus and here in the UK, every service man and woman I have met has had a version of this story. And I recognise that this too is a debt that can never fully be repaid.
But this week, the country will show you just how thankful we all are. Because we know, that without your service, the freedom, peace and joy that these celebrations embody, would not be possible.
So, wherever you are, wherever you serve, have a wonderful VE Day. And on behalf of a proud and grateful nation: thank you for your service.
Recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise announced today, celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK
197 recipients announced in The King’s Awards for Enterprise – the UK’s most prestigious business awards
Firms from Stirling to Somerset have their excellence recognised with two businesses receiving awards in two categories
These successful businesses are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth as part of our Plan for Change
The recipients of The King’s Awards for Enterprise have been announced today [6 May], celebrating the achievements of leading businesses from across the UK and Channel Islands and recognising their vital role in growing our economy to improve lives.
This year, 197 businesses representing a diverse range of sectors, have been recognised by His Majesty The King as among the best in the country, highlighting the ambition, ingenuity, and success of our diverse business community.
A total of 199 awards have been issued with two companies, Hampshire-based Sonardyne International and Norfolk-based Delta Fire, being recognised for two Awards each.
Overall, 116 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 46 for Innovation, 27 for Sustainable Development and 10 for Promoting Opportunity Through Social Mobility.
One of eleven Scottish firms to receive the prestigious award is Edinburgh’s Rabbie’s Tours. This award recognises the company’s Outstanding Short-Term Growth in overseas sales over the past three years.
From its roots as a one-person operation in 1993, Rabbie’s has grown from strength to strength by offering customers one-of-a-kind experiences, guaranteed departures and access to off the beaten track locations via their small group coach tours (16 passenger group size) across the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
This success has been led by CEO Hazel Rickett, who began her career at Rabbie’s as one of the company’s very first driver-guides. Today, she heads up a highly skilled leadership team, including Heather Rennie McGill, Director of Marketing and Sales, who has played a key role in growing the company’s international reach and global strategy.
Hazel Rickett, CEO, credited the success to her team, saying: “I feel incredibly lucky to work with such an amazing team – passionate, driven, and committed to delivering outstanding customer experiences. Honestly, they motivate me every day. We all love travel, we love our country, and we love showing it off.”
“For me, life’s about being happy and making people happy. When I see what our team does to deliver fantastic customer experiences, making customers happy, and I see the growth and development of our team, it’s hugely rewarding. I think having a happy team is the secret to success.”
Over the three-year period recognised by the award, Rabbie’s overseas turnover grew by 3,155%, with export sales increasing from 13% to 80% of total revenue. The most significant international markets, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Germany, now represent nearly three-quarters of the company’s overseas customer base.
Heather Rennie McGill, Director of Marketing and Sales, said: “This award is a testament to what we’ve achieved over the past few years, rebuilding post-COVID. I’ve met so many great people working here – it feels like we’ve all got each other’s back and the customer at heart, which has been hugely important to this success.”
This award comes hot off the back of Rabbie’s being awarded a B Corp Certification late last year, as well as winning the Gold British Travel Award for Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays.
Rabbie’s international trade growth not only boosts the company, but it also brings significant economic benefits to the remote and rural locations explored on the tours.
CEO Hazel Rickett also credits the company’s significant growth over the past three years to its ongoing commitment to reinvesting in the local communities and suppliers that are central to Rabbie’s offering.
Hazel explained: “Being able to operate sustainably is incredibly important. The very thing we are selling, we must sustain.
“It is hugely important to Rabbie’s and me that we do this and can pass it on to future generations.”
Heather Rennie McGill added:“Rabbie’s plays a really important role in the wider tourism economy. We’re able to take visitors from cities like Edinburgh to lesser-known locations, helping to support small businesses.
“This motivates us and gives us a strong sense of responsibility to help rebuild the tourism industry.”
Rabbie’s is deeply committed to sustainability, applying a voluntary self-imposed carbon tax of £10 per tonne and operating under a strong ‘leave no trace’ policy. The team regularly goes above and beyond, picking up litter and ensuring the places they visit are left in a better condition than they were found.
In addition to this, Rabbie’s staff are given paid volunteer days to support local charities. In the past this has ranged from rewilding projects to building pathways on the islands they tour, demonstrating a genuine commitment to preserving the landscapes they share with travellers.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, renamed in 2023 following the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, carry forward a tradition of celebrating outstanding British businesses. Now in their 59th year, the Awards remain the UK’s most prestigious business honours, with winners permitted to use the esteemed King’s Awards emblem for the next five years.
By supporting more people into work, developing new innovations and exporting the best Britain has to offer around the world, businesses like these are playing a key role in the Government’s mission to go further and faster for economic growth, to put more money in more working people’s pockets as part of our Plan for Change.
Gareth Thomas, Minister for Services, Small Businesses and Exports said: “Congratulations to the recipients of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, who all demonstrate the very best of British business talent.
“I wish them every success as they continue to grow, innovate and prosper, and commend the invaluable contributions they have already made to communities at home and abroad, helping to boost the UK economy.”
Out of the 197 winning businesses 176 (88%) are SMEs, and of those, 27 (14%) are micro-businesses, with 10 employees or less.
A Labour government spokesperson said: “Smaller businesses are the beating heart of this government’s growth mission and providing them with the right support to overcome barriers and reach their full potential is an absolute priority.That is why this Government protected a million small firms from National Insurance increases and extended business rates relief in the Budget.
“Since then, we have also launched the new Board of Trade to boost small businesses exports and announced over 200 new Banking Hub locations on top of the existing 100 already open.
“We have also taken action to tackle the scourge of late payments, and most recently, provided a multi-billion-pound increase in government backed financing to help organisations like the British Business Bank provide vital finance for smaller businesses.
“We know that it will only take a 1% increase in SME productivity per year, over the next 5 years, to grow the UK economy by a whopping £94 billion. ”
Graham Brown, Managing Director of Sonardyne, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to have received this recognition. Receiving two King’s Awards in 2025 really celebrates Sonardyne’s ongoing performance in International Trade delivered by working sustainably.
It’s a testament to the hard work of everyone at Sonardyne in making, selling, and supporting great products operating across our blue planet, whilst all the time caring deeply about how we do business to protect it. I hope we can inspire and help other UK businesses to do the same.
Ian Gardner, Managing Director and Founder of Delta Fire, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to receive two King’s Awards for Enterprise for both Innovation and Sustainable Development.
“These two highly prestigious awards are a fantastic recognition of the great team work in Delta Fire over the last 35 years from a small workshop unit to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility using net zero energy.
“Innovation and Sustainability has led Delta Fire to exporting fire nozzles all around the world and being used to successfully extinguish the majority of fires in the UK every day.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise were previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise and were renamed two years ago to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II by recognising outstanding UK businesses.
The Award programme, now in its 59th year, has awarded over 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants – The King’s representatives in each county – will be presenting the Awards to businesses locally throughout the year. One representative from each winning business will also be invited to a special Royal reception event.
Other recipients also include:
Level Peaks, a business based in Hereford, and managed by ex-British Military Special Forces Veterans, which supplies innovative defence and security equipment to the UK Government and governments abroad. The company receives The King’s Award for International Trade.
Mixergy, which has received the Innovation award for their intelligent hot water tank which interacts between homes and the grid to maximise efficiency and reduce energy bills. The business is based in Oxford.
The full list of Awardees across the four categories can be found in the London Gazette.
Drop-in public information event at theMurrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May between 4pm and 7pm
SCOTTISH Water will be starting a major project as part of our #drainingtherain Improving Urban Waters programme on Corstorphine Road #Edinburgh next month.
Come along to an information event on 8 May to find out more.
Details below:
Project Overview
We are installing new screens and spill chambers to a storm overflow under Corstorphine Road to help prevent sewer related debris from entering the Water of Leith.
Work is due to get underway at the beginning of June 2025 for approximately seven months.
During delivery, Corstorphine Road will be reduced to one lane under temporary traffic lights between Ormidale Terrace and Murrayfield Gardens.
Community Engagement
We are holding a drop-in public information event at the Murrayfield Hotel, 18 Corstorphine Road on Thursday 8 May 2025 between 4pm and 7pm.
Members of the project team will be available to explain more about the work involved and take on board any concerns or questions from the community.
What We Are Doing
New screens and spill chambers are being installed to our storm overflow underneath Corstorphine Road at Ormidale Terrace.
The existing spill pipe and outfall will be retained.
When excess rainwater is discharged, the new screens will ensure any sewer related debris does not end up in the Water of Leith.
Why We Are Doing It
Working closely with the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) Scottish Water has identified priority storm overflows for improvement or replacement for water quality or aesthetic – sewer related debris – reasons.
Under the banner ‘Draining the Rain, Enhancing the Environment’ the investment will help prevent sewage related debris such as wet wipes from entering the environment during periods of rainfall.
