Innovative firms scoop prestigious Queen’s Award

TWO ENTERPRISING firms have been recognised for their exceptional international trading and innovation after winning a prestigious’ business award.
SH 250414 7thSense,  an electronics, software and systems design firm  have won the Queen's Award for Innovation. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140425-235747001SH 250414 7thSense,  an electronics, software and systems design firm  have won the Queen's Award for Innovation. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140425-235747001
SH 250414 7thSense, an electronics, software and systems design firm have won the Queen's Award for Innovation. Photo by Derek Martin SUS-140425-235747001

Worthing company ETI and 7thSense Design, of Upper Beeding, have won the Queen’s Award, given out by the Government to recognise outstanding achievement.

For ETI, which produces electronic thermometers from its base in Easting Close, it is the second time it has won the award.

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Managing director Peter Webb said: “Receiving a Queen’s Award for Enterprise for a second time is a fantastic achievement for the company.

“The award recognises the achievements and hard work undertaken by all of our employees.

“By keeping our manufacturing and research and development in the UK, we have been able to support our local economy while successfully growing the business.”

ETI’s award came in the international trade category, in which entrants must demonstrate significant growth in overseas earnings and commercial success, over a sustained period of time.

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ETI’s worldwide export sales have increased by more than 90 per cent over the past few years, with its main export markets being North America, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

For 7thSense, it is the first time they have won the Queen’s Award – being just one of 39 firms across the country to be recognised in the innovation category.

The firm impressed judges with its server invention, which facilitates high resolution media content, which is projected in a range of settings.

The technology has been employed in a number of places, including the new Stonehenge interactive visitor centre and a Christmas extravaganza in New York.

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Managing director Ian Macpherson said he had already seen the benefits of winning, with increased enquiries and awareness of the firm.

He said: “It feels fantastic to win this award for the first time and is such an achievement for the whole company, for the staff and directors.

“We are in our tenth year of business, so it is a nice way of being recognised.”

The company employs nine members of staff in its Upper Beeding base but also has a recruit in New York.

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The Government’s report on the firm said it had won because its innovation ‘cut the costs and greatly improved the quality and attractiveness of customised presentations’.

Mr Macpherson said: “Recently, we have done the Stonehenge visitor centre, where they have got a large immersive, curved screen, and our servers are playing the media.

“Winning the award has helped already, and we have had lots of contact and interest on our website from all sorts of people.

“It increases the profile of our company and makes us more credible internationally.

“It’s a real string in our bow.”