International Energy Products (IEP), a leading Sheffield-based manufacturer and stockholding firm of steel and specialised alloys, has been honoured with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise, the UK’s highest official recognition for business excellence.
The accolade recognises the company’s outstanding contribution to international trade, evidenced by exceptional growth under the leadership of founder and CEO, Emma Parkinson. The company is part of the wider International Group – comprising International Energy Products, International Precision Engineering, International NDT Solutions, International Additive Manufacturing, and International Forging and Heat Treatment. Together, the companies offer a full, end-to-end, turnkey solution – from stockholding critical steel products to precision engineering and non-destructive testing.
IEP itself is a leading international supplier of high-quality, corrosion-resistant superalloys used in some of the world’s most demanding environments, including the energy, aviation, marine and defence sectors. Recognised for its efforts in the International Trade category, the accolade reflects IEP’s rapid expansion – with the business having exceeded its growth plans in financial years 2022, 2023, and 2024 – and increasing global footprint, with exports now accounting for a significant proportion of its revenue.
The award comes at a time of renewed focus on supporting home-grown industries. With international trade tensions – including recent US tariffs on UK steel – challenging exporters, IEP’s success demonstrates the resilience and global competitiveness of Britain’s advanced manufacturing sector.I
Emma Parkinson commented: “We’re incredibly proud to have achieved the King’s Award for Enterprise. This is a recognition of the ambition, skill and dedication of our team – and of our commitment to keeping Sheffield manufacturing as a leader on the global stage. Over the past few years, we’ve built strong international relationships while maintaining the quality and reliability of service that has defined our region’s steelmaking output for decades.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, recognising outstanding achievements in areas including innovation, international trade, sustainable development, and promoting opportunity. Now in its 59th year, the awards are approved by His Majesty The King and are globally respected as a mark of excellence.
Parkinson continued: “This recognition reflects the efforts we’ve made to navigate complex global markets, invest in our people, and stay true to our values as a British manufacturer.
“Sheffield has a proud industrial legacy, and we’re honoured to play a part in shaping its future by combining traditional expertise with a global outlook. We see this as not only a milestone but a springboard for further growth and innovation in the years to come.”
As a recipient, IEP will be entitled to use the esteemed King’s Awards emblem for the next five years – a symbol of trust, quality, and enterprise.
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