Awards accolades for North Devon defence manufacturer SEA
SEA Barnstaple has been named International Trader of the Year while employee Liam Smith was named Outstanding Individual of the Year at the North Devon Manufacturing Awards
Thriving Barnstaple-based defence technology company SEA has scooped two accolades at this year’s North Devon Manufacturing Awards.
The company, based on Pottington, was awarded International Trader of the Year while one of its employees, graduate systems engineer Liam Smith, was named Outstanding Individual of the Year.
The awards event, organised by the North Devon Manufacturing Association, recognised SEA’s ‘exceptional’ export growth and Liam’s initiative, technical excellence and ability to resolve complex engineering challenges.
The company, part of Cohort Group, has seen continued international success in delivering its maritime defence capabilities and services, with the firm exceeding its strategic export targets in 2025/26.
It has successfully expanded its international footprint through major contracts in Europe, Canada, Malaysia, the Americas and Asia, with more than 60 of its KraitArray thin-line towed anti-submarine warfare systems now deployed worldwide.
This growth, alongside continued international interest in the company’s Torpedo Launcher System and Ancilia trainable countermeasures launcher, which would typically be installed on ships to protect them from hostile fire, has cemented the company as a leader in maritime defence technology.
The growth has included the upgrade of SEA’s Barnstaple facility and the creation of more than 120 new job roles in North Devon, with the company now employing around 490 people across its South West sites in Beckington, Bristol and Barnstaple.
SEA’s Liam Smith was named the Outstanding Individual of the Year Award for his significant contributions to major projects, including the company’s Frigate Sustainment Communications contract for the Royal New Zealand Navy’s surface vessels, while progressing through SEA’s Graduate Programme.
Balancing professional development with responsibility for project delivery, he played a key role in resolving technical challenges, collaboration between international teams and supporting the successful delivery of critical programme milestones.
Helping to resolve complex technical issues as well as identifying opportunities for improvement and delivering solutions with minimal supervision, the company said Liam has demonstrated strong analytical skills, technical knowledge and initiative. His expertise and ability to work under pressure have delivered meaningful results for multiple projects, teams and disciplines across SEA.
Richard Flitton, SEA managing director said: “We’re proud to have SEA’s growth recognised at the NDMA Awards. Our growth is driven by the expertise and dedication of our people in North Devon and across the South West and we’re thrilled to see the maritime defence technology developed here making an impact around the world.
“Liam demonstrates engineering experience and technical expertise well beyond his years and this award is a celebration of his achievements over the past year. From his contributions to major customer programmes to proactively identifying improvements, he has shown true dedication and professionalism.
“We look forward to supporting his continued growth and success throughout his career at SEA.”
Liam added: “I’m very proud to receive the NDMA's Outstanding Individual award for my work during SEA’s Graduate programme.
“I feel very privileged to have had some amazing opportunities presented to me so early in my career. I’d like to offer a huge thank you to everyone at SEA for all the support and guidance and a special thanks to my manager for the nomination and for being such an exceptional manager.”