A Norwich-based family business has been awarded two prestigious King’s Awards for Enterprise in what is thought to be a first for Norfolk.
Now in its 35th year, Delta Fire received an award for outstanding achievements in sustainable development and another for its approach to innovation.
Across the UK, only two businesses out of the 199 recognised in the 2025 Awards were recognised in two categories – and Delta Fire is one of them.
The business manufactures and supplies bespoke firefighting equipment to more than 100 countries including most of the UK’s fire and rescue services.
It has invested millions in the region through its mission to sustainably manufacture world-class firefighting equipment and provide a sustainable and eco-friendly facility for its staff.
Delta Fire officially opened a £5.5m design and state-of-the-art manufacturing base at Broadland Business Park in Norwich last summer.
It is currently adding an extra 975sqm extension to the back of the building – worth more than £1m – to support expansion into new international markets.
The company has already celebrated hitting net-zero energy use at its facility this year, propelling it into one of the most environmentally responsible suppliers in the global fire sector.
All the offices and factory are heated and cooled by air source heat pumps and covered by 648 solar panels, producing 260MWh of green energy annually.
Excess rainwater is collected for ground maintenance and a 300kWh battery system supports solar power generation to provide around eight months of energy, where the company significantly generates more energy than it uses and supplies the excess to the grid.
Subject to approval, there are plans to install up to three helical wind turbines to cover the remaining months.
Delta Fire’s innovation has focused around responding to market need with nozzles and equipment developed for high rise building fires, wildfires and electric vehicle fires.
For example, its Attack Pro nozzle is a revolutionary design with spray patterns which create a uniform spray of very fine droplets to help extinguish fires quicker.
The company also recently developed and launched the Hydro Wall hose to help fight wildfires, which are becoming a serious hazard globally with climate change.
Its products are used across many sectors, including aviation, petrochemical, sustainable energy industries, marine and defence.
Managing director Ian Gardner said the double accolade was especially significant in a year full of milestones for the business.
“We would have been absolutely delighted to achieve just one King’s Award, but to be recognised for two is just phenomenal.
“It’s my fifth decade working in the fire industry and our 35th year in business in Norwich, so it couldn’t have come at a better time. It feels a wonderful recognition of what has been a lifetime of work.
“Delta Fire has grown beyond my wildest dreams, from just me, designing and building a few products in a small workshop, to a world-class international business sustainably manufacturing state-of-the-art fire nozzles, all manufactured using advanced automated machines and robotics, which are all powered by solar energy.
“These awards build on the strong foundations and accumulated efforts of many talented, skilled and hardworking Delta Fire team members, some of whom have been with Delta Fire for more than 25 years and many with over 15 years’ service.
“It is because of their hard work that we are honoured and recognised today.
“I want to thank our team, my family and all our customers for supporting us every step of the way.”
Alongside its sustainable work onsite, Delta Fire has planted 3,000 trees in Tanzania, which has offset more than 450 tonnes of CO2 and is part of a long-term annual support program.
Jordon King, Ian’s grandson, is part of the senior management team, and has been responsible for putting the company forward for several awards in the last few years.
Jordon said: “I joined the family business seven years ago after completing my degree at the University of Nottingham. I was struck by my grandfather’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development, which is the backbone of Delta Fire.
“It’s been a great privilege to join the Delta Fire team, who are the ones that have earned this double King’s Award. My hope and aim is to help continue this journey to make Delta Fire an outstanding sustainable world leader in fire suppression products.”
Jerome Mayhew, MP for Broadland and Fakenham, said the double win was a fantastic coup for Norfolk.
“Not only is it a first for Norfolk, Delta Fire has also made it extra special for our county by achieving it in sustainable high-tech manufacturing – a sector that we want to encourage in Norfolk.
“The Delta Fire team, and the founding family, have achieved something really special. Their investment in the skills of Norfolk people, in jobs, innovation and our environment are brilliant for the area, and I’m looking forward to seeing what Delta Fire does next.”
The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise is now in its 59th year and has awarded more than 8,000 companies since its inception in 1965.
