Symbiosis Pharmaceutical Services has been formally presented with a 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category, marking a significant recognition of the Scottish CDMO’s continued growth in global markets. The award was presented at Symbiosis’ Stirling headquarters by the Lord-Lieutenant of Stirling and Falkirk, Colonel Charlie Wallace, with the Lord Provost of Stirling also in attendance.

The King’s Award is regarded as one of the highest honours available to UK businesses. Symbiosis is one of 197 British companies – and one of only 11 in Scotland – to receive the accolade this year. The award acknowledges sustained international expansion across North America, Europe and the Asia-Pacific region, driven by long-term demand for sterile fill finish services for complex injectable medicines.

The presentation took place at Symbiosis’ site at Stirling Innovation Park. During the ceremony, the Lord-Lieutenant said the award marked national recognition for the company’s role in supporting the UK’s life sciences sector. “It is a fantastic opportunity to present this honour on behalf of His Majesty the King,” he said: “The King’s Award for Enterprise reflects innovation, skill and determination, and Symbiosis demonstrates all these qualities. We are very fortunate to have a company of this calibre based here in Stirling, contributing to our local economy while excelling internationally.”

Symbiosis CEO Colin MacKay welcomed the award, emphasising the collective effort behind the company’s international progress. “This recognition belongs to the entire team,” he said: “What motivates us every day is helping our clients develop medicines that make a meaningful difference to patients. We are proud to do that, and this award is an acknowledgement of many years of dedication and expertise across the business.”

The award comes as Symbiosis continues expanding its commercial-scale manufacturing capability, including investment in its new site at Castle Business Park in Stirling. The facility is designed to support increased global demand for sterile manufacturing, including services for injectable biologics, advanced therapies and small-batch commercial supply.

The company’s strategy focuses on enhancing UK-based capacity for complex aseptic manufacturing while strengthening its position as an international partner for biopharma organisations. The King’s Award provides Symbiosis with the right to display the award emblem for the next five years, a designation that the company says will support its global credibility as it scales operations.

The King’s Award for Enterprise was renamed in 2023 following the accession of King Charles III, continuing the long-standing national programme previously known as The Queen’s Award for Enterprise.