ICS Electronics, a West Sussex marine company with only ten employees, has beaten national competition at this year’s prestigious British Engineering Excellence Awards (BEEA), to scoop both the highly acclaimed Grand Prix award, as well as the 2011 Small Business of the Year award.
The BEEA are designed to recognise and promote the quality of engineering design within the UK, enabling smaller companies to compete on an even platform with larger ones. This year’s event was held on the 13th October at the London Globe Theatre, and over 50 UK companies were shortlisted to receive an award.
Established in 1982, ICS Electronics has gained itself an enviable reputation as one of the most experienced suppliers of marine communications systems. The company operates within the coast station, commercial and leisure markets to provide turnkey solutions for Global Maritime Distress and Safety Systems (GMDSS), Digital Selective Calling (DSC), VHF, MF, HF radio communication and NAVTEX.
ICS Electronics was recognised by the panel of judges for its exceptional business structure within a highly competitive market. With just ten employees, the company has still managed to install more Digital Selective Calling and NAVTEX systems than any other company. With 85% of its turnover coming from export, ICS Electronics has continually invested in product development to secure global recognition for its marine communication systems, which are now widely used in 55 countries by over 1000 operators. In addition the company helps to set industry best-practise by participating in international committees, maritime organisations and technical forums. As a result it is regularly consulted by international agencies for guidance on marine communication issues.
One of the judges said: “I couldn’t believe that such an influential company only has ten employees – it’s deeply impressive, and I am particularly impressed that a product with global reach is from a small UK company”.
Peter Batt, Business Development Manager at ICS Electronics said: “We are absolutely delighted that ICS has been recognised by the British Engineering Excellence Awards. We have a strong and long track record, good repeat business, market specific products, competitive prices, high quality products and high levels of customer satisfaction.”
