Second King's Award is 'the stuff of dreams'

An entrepreneur who founded a 3D printing company said it was "mind-blowing" and "the stuff of dreams" to be recognised with a top business accolade for a second time.

RYSE 3D in Shipston-on-Stour, Warwickshire, which is run by Mitchell Barnes, 29, and his brother Cameron, has been given The King's Award for International Trade.

"We've already won work in the US based on winning one award, I can't wait to get back overseas and tell people we are a double-winning King's Award business," Barnes said.

The firm, founded in 2017, has supplied parts to hypercar projects as well as taking up aerospace, defence and energy contracts.

Shropshire construction specialist Pave-Aways was also recognised for "Promoting Opportunity through Social Mobility", after boosting the career prospects of hundreds of workers.

Nearly 500 people have gained from its "looking after our workforce" initiative since its introduction in 2020, the firm said, with more than half of them from disadvantaged backgrounds or not previously in employment, education or training.

Previously recognised in 2024 with the King's Award for innovation, RYSE 3D's success abroad has led it to invest more than £1m into new printers and materials.

"We wanted to demonstrate that we could take UK technology and export it as something international firms want," Barnes said.

"The last three years have proved this was the right approach, with global sales up 2,322% since 2023."

He has expanded beyond the US market to serve clients in Denmark, France and Latvia, growing his firm to 18 employees and an annual turnover of nearly £5m.

"To win one King's Award is special, to win a second for our efforts in growing the business overseas is mind-blowing," Barnes added.

Pave-Aways' Managing director Steven Owen said the award was "a proud moment" for the firm, which employs 63 and has headquarters in Knockin and offices in Newtown and Wrexham.

"We support our team to develop and progress, particularly those who may have had less access to progression," he said.

"We also look to make a positive difference in the communities where we deliver our projects.

"The King's Award is in recognition of each and every one of those success stories."

One employee, Sabrina Davies, 49, who overcame mental health issues to bring up two daughters, said she finally had an employer "who truly believed" in her.

She has worked her way up from receptionist to become training and welfare manager and begun an open university course, funded by the business.

"Part of my new role is looking after the onboarding and mentoring of our apprentices," she said.

"They throw up some challenges, but it's a hugely rewarding position and I help with everything to do with their courses and, on many occasions, their personal lives.

"It also reminds me that everyone deserves a second chance, just like the one I had."

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