Witham MP Priti Patel has joined Reacton Fire Suppression as the company received the King’s Award for Enterprise for Innovation.
The award was formally presented by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Essex, Mrs Jennifer Tolhurst, during a special event at Reacton’s premises in Witham. Mrs Tolhurst was accompanied by her husband, Philip Tolhurst, and the Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet as part of the proceedings.
Reacton is a British manufacturer of automatic fire suppression systems, with its products designed and engineered in Essex. Its systems automatically detect and extinguish fires at their source and are used across a wide range of sectors including public transport, construction, mining, manufacturing, IT infrastructure and defence, with customers in markets around the world.
During the visit, Priti toured the company’s facilities, met members of the Reacton team and heard more about the company’s growth, innovation and the development of its award-winning fire suppression technology.
The King’s Awards for Enterprise are among the highest official forms of recognition available to UK businesses, recognising outstanding achievement across areas including innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity.
Speaking following the presentation, Priti Patel MP said:
“I was delighted join everyone at Reacton for the presentation of the King’s Award for Enterprise and to celebrate this tremendous achievement.
“This prestigious national recognition reflects the innovation, expertise and hard work that has
gone into building the business and developing its technology here in Witham.
“Reacton is a great example of a British company designing and engineering innovative products here in Essex and taking that expertise into markets around the world.
“It was also excellent to tour the facilities; meet the team and see first-hand the technology they are developing and manufacturing.
“We should be incredibly proud of businesses like Reacton which are innovating, exporting, creating skilled jobs and demonstrating the strength of British engineering and manufacturing.
“My congratulations go to Lee and the whole Reacton team on this thoroughly deserved award.”
Lee Palmer, Managing Director of Reacton Fire Suppression, said:
“This award belongs to the whole Reacton team. From the people who redesigned the product from scratch to those who've built the company around it over the years, everyone has played a part in getting us here.
“I also want to thank our customers, whose continued trust and support have allowed us to keep testing, improving and pushing our technology forward. Awards like this reflect the confidence they've shown in us.”
