Kentec is one of only 185 organisations nationally to be recognised with a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in 2026. Officially announced on Wednesday 6 May, the Award acknowledges the company’s outstanding achievement in International Trade.

Kentec was founded in 1985 and is one of the world’s leading life safety solutions manufacturers of conventional, analogue addressable fire detection and extinguishant control panels. All design, development and end-to-end manufacturing is undertaken from the firm’s headquarters in Dartford, Kent, where it employs around 290 people.

The King’s Award for Enterprise recognises Kentec’s outstanding export growth over the last three years, in which time overseas sales have risen by 69%, with exports now responsible for over two-thirds (67%) of the firm’s turnover.

“As 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”, said Kevin Swann, managing director at Kentec.

“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.”

The King’s Awards for Enterprise – previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise – were renamed in 2023 to reflect His Majesty The King’s commitment to continuing the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II in celebrating exceptional UK businesses.

Now in its 60th year, the King’s Awards for Enterprise remain the UK’s most prestigious business accolades.