The annual Gatwick Diamond Business Awards take place this month, celebrating the companies that make the region a powerhouse of innovation and growth. Among the most prestigious categories is International Business of the Year, sponsored by the Gatwick Diamond Initiative, which recognises firms that have expanded their reach beyond the UK, driving international trade, innovation, and economic impact.
This year’s shortlist features three outstanding businesses that have put the Gatwick Diamond region on the global map:
- Chess Dynamics (Horsham) – A leader in cutting-edge surveillance, tracking, and gunfire control systems, delivering high-tech solutions to military and commercial clients worldwide.
- The English Soap Company (Heathfield, East Sussex) – A family-run business crafting luxury soaps and toiletries, exporting its beautifully designed and sustainable products across the globe.
- UHV Design (Ringmer, near Lewes) – A specialist in high and ultra-high vacuum motion and manipulation technology, supplying precision-engineered equipment to scientific and industrial sectors internationally.
Each of these businesses has demonstrated strategic global expansion, innovation in international trade, and a commitment to excellence. Their success stories reflect the strength of the Gatwick Diamond region as a hub for high-growth businesses with global ambitions. Keep reading as we take a closer look at each of these exceptional companies…
Chess Dynamics
Chess Dynamics, based in Horsham, West Sussex, is a leading British company specialising in surveillance, tracking, and gunfire control systems for both military and commercial clients. Established in 1993, Chess has spent over three decades designing, developing, and manufacturing precision-stabilised and non-stabilised multi-axis platforms, fire control directors, and positioners for electro-optic, radar, communication, security, surveillance, tracking, and targeting systems.
Their product range includes high-performance cameras, specialised sensors, and the Vision4ce-branded real-time video and image processing solutions. These encompass rugged hardware suitable for harsh environments and integrated software solutions featuring advanced image processing algorithms for object detection and tracking.
Chess Dynamics is also a significant developer and global supplier of counter-small unmanned aerial vehicle (sUAV) protection systems, including rapid deployment solutions for military and security applications. They offer comprehensive services such as surveys, installations, training, and maintenance across their entire product range, including bespoke engineering solutions.
The English Soap Company
The English Soap Company, nestled in the heart of the Sussex countryside, has been crafting luxury soaps and toiletries for over two decades. Founded in 2000 by husband-and-wife duo Bob and Juliet after discovering vintage soap moulds on a Kent farm, their curiosity blossomed into a thriving family business.
From their base at Silveroaks Farm in Waldron, Heathfield, East Sussex, they produce a wide array of products, including soap bars, hand creams, and soy wax candles. Their commitment to quality is evident in their use of pure vegetable oils, making their soaps both vegan-friendly and cruelty-free. Each product is meticulously hand-finished, ensuring a luxurious experience for customers.
Sustainability is at the core of their operations, with recyclable packaging and a focus on eco-friendly practices. They’ve also collaborated with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to create exclusive collections inspired by the diverse plant life of the gardens.
Over the years, The English Soap Company has garnered several accolades, including the Family Business of the Year in 2022 and the Best Rural Innovation award in 2021.
Their products are available both online and through various stockists, allowing customers worldwide to indulge in their luxurious offerings.
UHV Design
UHV Design, nestled in Ringmer near Lewes, East Sussex, has been a key player in the high and ultra-high vacuum industry since 1993. They specialise in designing and manufacturing precision sample heating and manipulation products for materials research and production.
Their product range is extensive, featuring rotary feedthroughs, linear actuators, sample transfer arms, and heater modules. These tools are essential for applications like materials deposition and surface analysis.
UHV Design serves a diverse clientele, from synchrotrons and universities to OEMs and semiconductor industries. Their commitment to quality is evident in their state-of-the-art facility, which boasts in-house CAD design, a high-precision machine shop, UHV-standard cleaning facilities, and an ISO 7 clean room.
Their dedication to excellence has earned them a solid reputation in the vacuum industry, making them a trusted supplier of motion and manipulation solutions.
Not long to go now before we discover the winner
The winners will be announced at the glittering Gatwick Diamond Business Awards ceremony on 20th March 2025 at The Grand Hotel in Brighton, where the best of the region’s business talent will be recognised.