Ideal Heating, a UK manufacturer of boilers and heat pumps, and Kentec Electronics, a UK manufacturer of fire alarm control panels and ancillary equipment, have both been recognised with King’s Awards for Enterprise, highlighting achievements in innovation and international trade.
The awards, regarded as the UK’s most prestigious business honours, recognise organisations for performance across areas including innovation, export growth, and sustainable development.
Ideal Heating has been awarded in the Innovation category, while Kentec Electronics has been recognised for International Trade.
Ideal Heating, part of Groupe Atlantic UK and Republic of Ireland, employs around 1,500 people across the UK, including 800 at its Hull headquarters. This marks the company’s fourth King’s (or Queen’s) Award, following previous recognitions in 2013 and 2019.
Kentec Electronics, based in Dartford, Kent, employs around 290 people and specialises in fire detection and control systems. It is one of 185 organisations nationally to receive a King’s Award in 2026.
Recognition for innovation and export growth
Ideal Heating’s award reflects its development of a heat pump delivery model aimed at supporting the UK’s transition to low-carbon heating. This includes investment in training infrastructure, customer support, and manufacturing facilities.
The company has established a national training network, including a dedicated training and technology centre, alongside programmes designed to support installer skills development.
Adam Foy, CEO at Ideal Heating, comments, “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise is a great honour and an incredibly proud moment for us.”
Kentec Electronics’ award recognises export growth over the past three years, with overseas sales increasing by 69% and now accounting for 67% of total turnover. The company exports to more than 90 countries worldwide.
Kevin Swann, Managing Director at Kentec Electronics, says, “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.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise programme, established in 1965, recognises UK businesses for excellence across multiple categories. Winners are permitted to use the award for five years following a formal assessment process.
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