Awards Intelligence Expands to the U.S. to Help Americans Secure Royal Honors and Prestigious Business Awards

Awards Intelligence, one of the world’s leading consultancies for prestigious recognitions, is eyeing expansion into the United States to help individuals and companies pursue both Royal Honors and major business awards. Founded and led by Mark Llewellyn-Slade over 18 years ago, the firm has built a reputation for guiding clients through complex nomination processes that may culminate in a success rate.  

“We are unique because we specialize in both Royal Honors and business awards,” says Llewellyn-Slade. “And we see a growing appetite in the U.S. for both.” 

On one side of the business lies the pursuit of Royal Honors, MBEs, OBEs, CBEs, and even knighthoods and damehoods, which remain among the most respected distinctions in the world. While many Americans assume such honors are reserved for British citizens or celebrities, the reality is much broader.  

“Anybody can receive these awards under the right circumstances,” explains Llewellyn-Slade. “You don’t have to be British, and you don’t have to be famous. What matters is having done something extraordinary over time, either as a leader in your field or through selfless service to others.” 

That distinction is crucial to the company’s mission. Awards Intelligence categorizes honorees into two groups: selfless givers, who dedicate themselves to community or charitable causes, and leaders in their fields, whether surgeons, entrepreneurs, academics, or corporate executives. For Americans, eligibility hinges on a meaningful connection to the U.K., through philanthropy benefiting British citizens, business impact on the U.K. economy, or cultural contributions that resonate internationally. 

Llewellyn-Slade acknowledges that many well-known figures, especially in philanthropy and global advocacy, have been celebrated for their contributions. “But I have witnessed that the vast majority of recipients are what I call the ‘extraordinary, ordinary people,’ and 99% of them are not household names,” he shares. 

Navigating the honors system is not straightforward, however. Nominations cannot be made by the individual seeking recognition. They must come from a third party. Awards Intelligence typically fields inquiries from colleagues, friends, or family members who believe someone deserves recognition. From there, the company conducts a rigorous assessment. “We look for extraordinary achievement and a clear point of differentiation,” says Llewellyn-Slade. “If we don’t believe someone has at least a two-in-three chance of success, we won’t put them forward. That honesty protects our clients and ensures our success rate stays high.” 

Once a candidate is deemed viable, Awards Intelligence manages the entire submission process, from drafting the lengthy application to organizing supporting letters. For Royal Honors, applicants are encouraged to submit five to 20 letters of recommendation, all carefully crafted to reinforce consistent messaging. “We don’t leave supporters to write letters on their own,” Llewellyn-Slade explains. “We draft them to ensure the narrative is coherent and compelling.” 

The other side of the company focuses on business awards, which hold equal weight in the corporate world. From “CEO of the Year” to “Most Innovative Product,” Awards Intelligence helps companies gain recognition that may elevate reputation, attract customers, and strengthen credibility. “Most of our clients aim to win three or more awards,” says Llewellyn-Slade. “That allows them to market themselves as multi-award winners, which is a powerful differentiator.” The firm supports entries worldwide, tailoring applications to both domestic and international competitions. 

Llewellyn-Slade believes U.S. organizations are especially well-positioned to benefit. His vision for expansion includes building awareness in America that these opportunities exist and are accessible. “To receive a Royal Honor is to be recognized by the King of England himself, often in a palace or castle. For many Americans, the symbolism alone is priceless,” he says. 

The company’s invitation to potential clients is simple: get in touch. “We offer a complimentary, no-obligation assessment,” Llewellyn-Slade says. “We will tell you honestly what your chances are, and if the timing is not right, we will explain what more you need to do. But if you are eligible, we will handle everything, giving you the best possible chance at success.” 

As Awards Intelligence turns its sights to the U.S., it does so with confidence born of experience. Having guided thousands of nominations to date, Llewellyn-Slade believes the American market is ripe for discovery. “There are extraordinary people and businesses in the U.S. who deserve recognition,” he says. “Our role is to ensure their contributions are celebrated on the world stage.”