King meets innovators as he hails ‘best of British’ business talent

Charles welcomed companies recognised for their innovation with the King’s Award for Enterprise.

The King during a reception for recipients of The King’s Award for Enterprise, at Windsor Castle, Berkshire (Andrew Matthews/PA) (PA Wire)

The King hailed winners of a business prize as representing “the best of British” during a Windsor Castle event staged in their honour.

Charles welcomed companies recognised for their innovation with the King’s Award for Enterprise to his Berkshire home, and chatted to the entrepreneurs and established executives whose practices and products have earned them praise.

The awards are one of the most prestigious business accolades in the country, with winners able to use its emblem for the next five years and many report it boosts their profile and access to new markets.

Among the guests was Jonathan Reynolds, the new Business Secretary, and pointing to the business people Charles told the politician “they represent the best of British”.

One of the first winners Charles met was the senior team from WeWalk, which has produced a smart walking stick for the visually impaired that can give directions, beep when obstacles are sensed and even provide information about points of interest.

Dr Jean-Marc Feghali, the company’s chief innovation officer, was joined by its chief executive officer Gokhan Mericliler and the King noticed the white stick beeping as there was an obstacle nearby.

Mr Mericliler said: “The King seemed impressed by the voice assisted aspect, being about to talk to the cane, its interactive element, that excited him the most.”

Other winners included Bluewater, which removes harmful phosphorus from rivers and Frugalpac which produces a paper bottle for wines and spirits.

The King also was joined at the drinks reception by the Duke of Kent and Duke and Duchess of Gloucester who mingled with the guests.