Lodge Lane consultancy recognised for international trade growth after more than a decade advising on African market entry
A Colchester-based international trade advisory firm has been named among the UK winners of the King’s Award for Enterprise for 2026.
Enterprise Trade and Knowledge (ETK Group), which operates from Lodge House at Lodge Park on Lodge Lane, received the honour in the International Trade category. Coverage of the award in the Colchester Gazette and by London TV says the firm was recognised for outstanding short-term growth in international trade, with overseas sales rising by more than 85 per cent over three years. Nearly all of the company’s revenue now comes from international trade.
Only 185 organisations across the UK received a King’s Award in 2026. The awards, now in their 60th year, are widely described as the UK’s highest business accolade. Winners may use the King’s Awards emblem for five years. Independent winners’ lists published by Business Cloud and SME Magazine include Enterprise, Trade & Knowledge Group Ltd under International Trade, describing it as an international trade consultancy focused on African market entry and expansion.
Founded in 2010, ETK advises governments, development partners and private sector organisations targeting high-growth African markets. According to the Gazette and London TV, the firm has delivered projects across 34 African countries and supported more than 300 clients on regulatory navigation, export capability and international competitiveness. Growth has been linked to wider advisory work across the Global South and to new software tools developed to support clients.
Managing director Bolaji Sofoluwe MBE said in published remarks: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise is a significant milestone for ETK and a strong endorsement of our work supporting international trade between the UK and Africa. Our focus has been on helping businesses access high-growth markets with confidence, and this recognition reflects both the power of our commercial impact and our contribution to building stronger global trade relationships.”
ETK’s own site sets out a service offer around strategy, planning, implementation and e-consultancy for businesses expanding into African markets, with sector focus spanning agriculture, technology, healthcare, energy, education, infrastructure and financial and professional services, among others. The company’s contact details list a Colchester CO4 address and 01206 telephone numbers.
For local readers, the story is useful beyond the award itself. Colchester hosts a professional services firm whose export-facing work is recognised at national level, and whose client base includes organisations seeking structured support on market entry rather than retail or manufacturing alone. Lodge Park sits in the Langham area within the City of Colchester, close to the A12 and A120 Crown Interchange, so the firm is part of the borough’s northern business cluster rather than the high street retail mix.
Businesses interested in trade advice, or in following local firms with national recognition, can check ETK’s published contact channels and the official King’s Awards material for further detail.
