Barnstaple-based defence technology company SEA, part of Cohort Group, has been awarded the International Trader of the Year and its Graduate Systems Engineer, Liam Smith, the Outstanding Individual of the Year at the North Devon Manufacturing Awards (NDMA), organised by the North Devon Manufacturing Association. The awards recognise SEA’s exceptional export growth, and Liam’s initiative, technical excellence and ability to resolve complex engineering challenges.
The International Trader of the Year award recognises SEA’s continued international success in delivering its maritime defence capabilities and services, with the firm exceeding its strategic export targets in 2025/26. The company 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 the continued international interest in the company’s Torpedo Launcher System and Ancilia trainable countermeasures launcher has cemented the company as a leader in maritime defence technology.
The company’s export growth has supported investment in innovation, and its facilities and people. This includes the privately funded upgrade of SEA’s 2,000 m² Barnstaple facility and the creation of more than 120 new job roles in North Devon, with the company now employing approximately 490 people across its South West sites in Beckington, Bristol and Barnstaple.
The award builds on SEA's growing reputation for international success, with the company recently receiving The King's Award for Enterprise in International Trade in recognition of its sustained export growth.
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, 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, Managing Director of SEA 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.”
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