The spotlights were shining and spirits soaring at Vertas Group’s headquarters in Ipswich on Wednesday 3 December, as the company was formally presented with the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Sustainable Development, the UK’s highest business honour. Vertas Group is the only facilities management company in the UK to receive this accolade in 2025, marking a truly historic achievement.
The award was presented by Clare, Countess of Euston, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, who is The King’s official representative in the county, in a vibrant ceremony attended by colleagues, partners, local dignitaries, and civic leaders. The event featured a showcase of Vertas Group innovation, including demonstrations of cutting-edge technology such as robotics and virtual reality, before the formal presentation of the King’s Award crystal and certificate to Group CEO Ian Surtees and Non-Executive Chair Duncan Johnson.
This recognition celebrates Vertas Group’s exceptional commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Over the past three years, the company has delivered transformative results, including:
- · Achieving 22% absolute carbon reduction in 2023/24, with significant decreases across energy use, water, travel, waste, and paper consumption. Since its submission, Vertas Group achieved a further 15.3% reduction last year.
- · Operating a chemical-free cleaning service, revolutionising industry standards with an environmentally friendly, water-based solution.
- · Saving four million single-use plastics through a robust sustainable procurement policy.
- · Diverting 99% of waste away from landfill and prioritising reuse through donations, as well as maximising recycling to support a sustainable supply chain.
- · Completing over 130 decarbonisation projects in the past three years, as well as many Net Zero School designs, with the first Net Zero in operation school in Suffolk now in construction.
- · Delivering more than 4,000 meat-free school meals per week since 2015.
Ian Surtees MBA, FIoD, Group Chief Executive Officer of Vertas Group, commented: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our colleagues. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to creating a greener future and inspires us to continue leading the way in sustainable facilities management.”
Lady Clare, Countess of Euston, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk, remarked: “It was a privilege to present the King’s Award for Enterprise to Vertas Group on behalf of His Majesty The King. Their commitment to environmental responsibility and positive impact on communities across the region sets a remarkable example for others to follow. I congratulate everyone at Vertas Group on this well-deserved honour.”
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from the Chair, followed by the official announcement of the award. Clare, Countess of Euston, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Suffolk and The King’s official representative in the county, attended as principal guest and addressed the assembled guests, celebrating Vertas Group’s outstanding achievements and commitment to sustainability. The occasion was captured in a series of group photographs alongside the King’s Award for Enterprise emblem, reflecting the pride and excitement of the day. The event concluded with brunch refreshments, providing an opportunity for guests to connect, share congratulations, and celebrate this remarkable milestone together.
The King’s Award for Enterprise, established in 1965, is valid for five years and allows recipients to display the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem across communications and marketing materials. This accolade brings national recognition and reinforces Vertas Group’s position as a sustainability leader in the UK.
