Biggleswade-based, Smith Myers, a global leader in cellular communications solutions, has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise – Excellence in Innovation 2024.

Smith Myers’ ARTEMIS suite of Search and Rescue SAR systems are saving lives around the world, having recently been selected for several major UK, European and North American SAR and Coast Guard.

The system provides a new and mission-critical capability to aircrew/first responders being deployed around the world in maritime patrol, border control, aerial firefighting and natural disasters.

“This is truly a great honour and tribute to everyone at Smith Myers who have created an evolving and innovative life-saving suite of products,” said Peter Myers, co-founder and company director,

“In our 37th year in business, 35 of them in Biggleswade, we are delighted to have been recognised for Excellence in Innovation – the key driver of everything we do.”

“We’d also like to thank Les Ebdon and Nick Kier of the Bedfordshire Lord Lieutenant’s office for their guidance and advice regarding the application for the award.

“I’d recommend anyone thinking of applying to contact the Bedfordshire Lieutenancy for guidance and information.”

As an employee-owned company, Smith Myers says their success is down to a close-knit team of talented engineers and their “focus on applying cutting-edge technology to provide solutions for its customers”.

The company’s 37 years of collaboration with network operators, government agencies, law enforcement, military, and search and rescue organisations has solidified its position as a leader in innovative solutions.

They also continue to expand their product portfolio, including ground-based systems for use in mountain or water rescue or remotely operated vehicles.

“ARTEMIS is a perfect example of how our team applies industry-leading cellular technology to provide solutions to a real-world problem and, as the first system of its type, continues to lead the market worldwide,” added Andrew Munro, managing director,

“Close work with our expanding customer base has seen several spirals of capability innovation already. Simply put, ARTEMIS saves more lives, faster.”

To find out more about the King’s Awards for Enterprise, visit the Lord Lieutenant’s dedicated pages for the awards.