A Romford-based awarding organisation has won the 2026 King's Award for Enterprise for International Trade.
Learning Resource Network (LRN), an awarding organisation that assesses more than 100,000 candidates a year across 58 countries, was recognised in the Outstanding Short Term Growth category.
The Western Way-based group achieved a 66 per cent increase in overseas sales over three years. International business now makes up 97.2 per cent of LRN’s total sales.
The organisation has supported over 1.2 million candidates across 58 countries, and is also the first exam board in the world to launch International GCSE and A-level qualifications in artificial intelligence.
Read more
Romford food festival returns with global street food and family fun
I visited Hornchurch for the first time to explore its history, high street and parks
The company previously won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise for International Trade in 2020, and in 2025 was named a winner at the Department for Business and Trade’s Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards.
The firm's CEO, Hainault resident Dr Muhammad Zohaib Tariq, said: "Winning a second Royal award within six years is a significant milestone. It reflects the demand for UK qualifications overseas and the work of our team and our partner centres around the world.
"Support from the Department for Business and Trade has been important in opening new markets, and the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard recognises the team in Romford that makes all of this possible."
Established in 2011, LRN is regulated by Ofqual and develops qualifications from Entry Level to Level 7.
Its programmes cover a wide range of subjects, including English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), International GCSEs and A-levels, business management, digital entrepreneurship, creative industries, education and teaching, community development, and pre-university foundation courses.
The company operates across Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. In the last three years, it has expanded into new markets, including the United Arab Emirates, Somaliland, and Bangladesh.
LRN is also a holder of the Mayor of London’s Good Work Standard, an accreditation recognising employers committed to best practices in fair pay, workplace wellbeing, skills development, and diversity.
The company is one of 185 UK organisations to receive a King’s Award in 2026. Winners are granted permission to use the official King’s Award emblem for five years.
The King’s Award for Enterprise is considered one of the most prestigious business honours in the UK.
Share