Magherafelt contractor Henry Brothers and IT asset disposition and lifecycle management company Vyta have been honoured by King Charles at a reception for the 2024 King’s Awards for Enterprise recipients at Windsor Castle.
His Majesty The King, joined by the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, as well as the Duke of Kent and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, hosted a reception at Windsor Castle for some of the 252 winners of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise.
Henry Brothers Managing Director, David Henry, and Vyta Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Philip McMichael, represent the only two Northern Irish companies to have been recognised in the Sustainable Development category.
Henry Brothers was praised for its exemplary approach which has resulted in significant benefits for the business, the environment and the wider construction sector. The award is testament to Henry Brothers’ dedication to acting as a responsible business and it is committed to building on this legacy through sustainable growth and development.
The Newtownabbey-based company Vyta was also recognised for its excellence in sustainability as one of only 29 organisations across the UK to achieve the prestigious King’s Award for Sustainable Development in 2024.
Vyta has championed sustainable practices since it was formed in 2001, maximising the lifespan of IT equipment by collecting, refurbishing, recycling and reselling redundant IT for customers in over 50 countries globally.
Philip McMichael, Vyta Founder and Chief Executive Officer, said:
“Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development and meeting King Charles, a dedicated advocate for sustainability, is a profound honour for us. Getting the opportunity to speak briefly with King Charles really was special and a memory I will cherish.
“This accolade recognises our commitment to reducing the environmental impact, not only for Vyta, but also for our customers, partners and communities.
“Sustainability has been at the core of Vyta’s operations since our inception, driving our mission to help businesses manage their IT responsibly and promote a circular economy.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year 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 58th year, is the most prestigious business award in the country, with successful businesses able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.