South West defence firm wins international trade award
Beckington-based defence technology company SEA, part of Cohort Group, has been formally presented with the King’s Award for International Trade by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Robert Drewett at the company’s One Team Day.
The King’s Award for International Trade recognises UK businesses that have demonstrated exceptional growth in overseas earnings and commercial year-on-year growth over a period of three or six years.
SEA received the award in recognition of its continued export success of its advanced fleet protection and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
Since 2022, the company has secured multiple international contracts, including the supply of its Torpedo Launcher System for a multi-ship programme in South America, to the Philippine Navy and the Royal Canadian Navy. The company was also awarded contracts for its KraitSense anti-submarine warfare systems with a South-east Asian navy and to support the communications system upgrade on two Royal New Zealand Navy ANZAC frigates. Combined these contracts have a value in excess of £50 million.
The investment and recent contract wins have helped the company double its annual revenue (2024/2025) and secured more than 120 new job roles in North Devon. SEA now employs approximately 480 people across its South West sites in Beckington, Bristol and Barnstaple.
The company has also recently completed a privately funded upgrade of its Barnstaple facility. Modernising and expanding more than 2,000m² of production and office space, the upgrade also created new customer training facilities and expanded the site’s manufacturing capability to support its ongoing growth in maritime defence markets.
Hosted at the Grand Pier in Weston-super-Mare on Wednesday 16th September, SEA’s One Team Day brought together 450 of SEA’s employees to celebrate the company’s latest achievements.
Richard Flitton, Managing Director of SEA said, “Our annual One Team Day is a fantastic celebration of the people, achievements and talent within SEA, and it was an honour to host Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Robert Drewett this year to receive the King’s Award for International Trade.
“Navies across the globe are using our innovative defence capabilities developed in Bristol, Beckington and Barnstaple, showcasing the South West defence sector internationally. Through our continued growth we’re creating highly skilled jobs across the region, investing in our facilities for the future and supporting the local supply chain and economy.”
Robert Drewett, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, said, “The King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category is a significant achievement in which everyone at SEA should take great pride. It recognises the commitment, expertise, innovation and determination of SEA’s people and the important contribution SEA makes to the South West.
“Congratulations on this achievement and your continued success as you build on this recognition and your international growth.”
For more information visit: www.sea.co.uk
Pictured: (left to right) Julia Whalvin (SEA), Brigadier Nigel Beacom, Richard Flitton (SEA), Vice Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Robbie Drewett, Simon Gould (SEA)
