Willmott Dixon has been honoured in the first ever King's Awards for Enterprise for its work to enhance the life opportunities of others.

The Letchworth-headquartered construction and fit-out contractor is one of only nine companies to be recognised in the Promoting Opportunity category. This is the fourth time Willmott Dixon has received Britain’s most coveted business prize, previously known as The Queen's Awards for Enterprise, with the company achieving the honour in 2014, 2018 and 2019, for both its sustainable development work and how it is supporting social mobility.

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A total of 148 organisations have been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise this year, with Willmott Dixon gaining one for delivering wider benefits to society far beyond its work in the built environment. This includes the many thousands of hours its people volunteer to improve local community infrastructure as well as their work providing careers advice, skills development and creating job opportunities for people from disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes groundbreaking initiatives to improve job prospects for ex-offenders through its Building Lives Academies initiative, including academies in HMP Belmarsh and HMP Elmley.

Rick Willmott, Group Chief Executive, said: "Being recognised by The King’s Awards for Enterprise is a tribute to our people’s hard work and really underlines our commitment to leave a positive, sustainable legacy for future generations beyond the buildings we create and improve.

"Our people value working for a company that sets the standard for how we deliver social value in our communities. This is evident from the many hours they invest in initiatives that improve the life chances of people not as fortunate as them."