Kentec Electronics is one of 185 businesses nationwide to receive a King’s Award for Enterprise. Pictured are Kentec Directors Kenijiro Kasuya, Naohito Ishii, Kevin Swann and Takashi Iseri.
Such an award marks a companyโs achievement in international trade.ย Kentec, founded in 1985, is a manufacturer of conventional, analogue addressable fire detection and extinguishant control panels. All design, development and end-to-end manufacturing is done from the firmโs headquarters in Dartford, Kent, where it employs around 290 people. Over the last three years, overseas sales have risen by 69 per cent, with exports now responsible for some two-thirds (67pc) of the firmโs turnover.
Kevin Swann, managing director at Kentec, said:ย โAs the most prestigious business award in the UK, it’s a great honour to win the King’s Award for Enterprise, and it’s wonderful for everyone at Kentec to have their efforts recognised. Kentec now exports to over 90 countries around the world and we hope the recognition that the King’s Award for Enterprise brings will help open up even more markets.โ
The Key Safe Company
Founded in 1996, The Key Safe Company has won a King’s Award for itsย latest multi-push key safe, the ark Tamo. David Ogden, CEO and founder at The Key Safe Company says: โWe are delighted to receive a 2026 King’s Award for Enterprise in the category of Innovation. This achievement reflects 30 years dedication and commitment from our staff, both past and present; delivering the very bestย key safes and access control solutions.”ย
About the Kingโs Awards for Enterprise
Previously known as The Queenโs Awards for Enterprise, they were renamed in 2023 to reflect King Charles IIIโs commitment to continuing the legacy of his mother HM Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating UK businesses. They’re now in their 60th year. A firm may use the Kingโs Awards Emblem for the next five years. In the 2026 round, some 76 businesses have been recognised for International Trade, 52 for Innovation, 36 for Sustainability and 22 for Promoting Opportunity (through social mobility).ย Applications for the 2027 round will open on May 6, 2026. Visit: https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.
And visit www.kentec.co.uk.
