First Meeting of the Midlands King’s Awards Network Assembly

Francoise Derksen, Managing Director of Midland Lead, was honoured to participate as a panellist at the inaugural Midlands King’s Awards Network Assembly.

Held at the University of Birmingham on September 10, the event brought together top businesses from the region, which together, represented over £7 billion in turnover and £294 million in investment. Hundreds gathered to network, collaborate, and celebrate the remarkable achievements of these pioneering businesses across the Midlands.

The Assembly’s program featured panel discussions and interviews, aligned with the Midlands Engine Partnership’s key drivers of inclusive economic growth—Investment, Business, Innovation, International Trade, Sustainable Development and Promoting Opportunity.

Francoise joined fellow business leaders on the Sustainable Development panel, alongside Josie Morris MBE, CEO of Woolcool, David Horsfall, Director of Property & Sustainability at Webster & Horsfall and Sarah Windrum, Futre Mobility Cluster Lead at Horiba Mira. The facilitator was Roger Mendonca, CEO Midlands Engine, where they discussed their contributions to the economy and shared how sustainability remains central to their growth and success.

Earlier this year, Midland Lead was honoured with The King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, acknowledging their relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to sustainability in manufacturing. Speaking on the panel, Francoise emphasised that their achievements are only possible due to the dedication of the entire team. She said: “A strong team is essential to driving real change within a company. We are fortunate to have a dedicated team that pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in our industry, with a clear focus on environmental responsibility.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise is the highest accolade a UK business can receive. Over the past five years, the Midlands has been home to more King’s Awards recipients than any other region outside of London and the South East, showcasing the region’s leadership in innovation and entrepreneurial excellence.

By showcasing the evolutionary impact of its businesses on both a local and global scale, the event helped to underpin the regions position as a leader of excellence in business.

Keynote speakers, included Edwina Dunn OBE, Jenny Tooth OBE and the CEO of the British Business Bank Louis Taylor who shared their insights, and contributed to this event that was aimed at connecting the Midlands brightest businesses with regional business investors as a catalyst for future growth.

Sir John Peace, Chairman of the Midlands Engine Partnership, commented on the significance of the event: “The Midlands King’s Awards Network Assembly is a landmark event that brings together some of the region’s most innovative minds. With over 180 King’s Awards for Enterprise received by Midlands businesses in the past five years—the highest number outside London and the South East—this Assembly and the Network it results in will serve as a powerful platform to build on the region’s successes. The collaboration fostered here today has the potential to unlock significant opportunities for growth and prosperity across the Midlands.”