Ocean Signal ramps up innovation to stay ahead of Chinese competitors

It’s no surprise that a leading name in marine safety is laser-focused on staying ahead of the curve, but for Ocean Signal, the UK-based manufacturer recently presented with the King’s Award for Enterprise, it remains the core driver of the business.

Managing director James Hewitt notes that a substantial market remains to be captured for Ocean Signal and its competitors alike.

“It all comes down to education. People need to understand why it’s sensible to carry these beacons. So the onus is on us as manufacturers to keep pushing that message, alongside organisations like HM Coastguard and RNLI, who are fantastic at pushing and promoting safety at sea.”

Hewitt continues: “Innovation doesn’t happen by accident. It is a result of countless hours of hard work, difficult decisions, problem-solving, collaboration, perseverance, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.”

Chinese competition raising the stakes

Hewitt is candid when discussing the growing number of products originating from China, stating that his team would be naive to ignore the improving quality of Chinese manufacturing.

“We’re here today celebrating innovation, and we need to make sure that we stay ahead of the curve. We are seeing more and more competitors in the market, which is good for us because that keeps us on our toes.

“More competitors from China are entering the sector. And, I think it’s fair to say that in the past where people have been concerned about Chinese-manufactured product, you only have to look at the number of Chinese cars we see on the road today to realise that there’s starting to be a step change in that way of thinking.”

UK safety manufacturing

While controlling costs is vital for business health, Hewitt emphasised that Ocean Signal’s key advantage lies in its local engineering talent. The company’s developers are a central competitive asset, with the parent company ACR Electronics utilising Ocean Signal’s team to design and develop its products inhouse in Margate. The company expanded its production facility in 2021.

“There is a reason why ACR’s product is designed and developed here in Margate, you know, because of the people that we have here,” adds Hewitt.

Reflecting on the recent accolade, Hewitt comments: “Receiving a King’s Award for Innovation is one of the highest recognitions a UK business can achieve, and it is a tremendous honour for our company.

“It is your vision, commitment, and belief in what we do that has enabled us to develop products that save lives and make a genuine difference to people around the world. Every success we have achieved has been built on the strength of our people.”

Ocean Signal PLB3

In developing the PLB3, Ocean Signal’s engineers pushed the boundaries of miniaturised components, adopting even smaller technologies typically reserved for advanced mobile devices. At the same time, they tested battery capacity to ensure the unit could meet – and exceed – operational requirements without increasing bulk.

The integration of Near Field Communication (NFC) allows smartphone interaction, delivering multiple life-saving technologies in a remarkably compact form.

Lady Annabel Colgrain, Lord Lieutenant of Kent, who was joined by Deputy Lieutenant Mr Clive Stevens, Deputy Clerk Ms Jo Holmes and Ms Nichola Bruno from The King’s Awards Office, says: “I am particularly proud that our county is home to a company which has established such an impressive international reputation from its base here in Margate. Bringing together different rescue technologies within one compact device, and becoming the first in the world to do so, is a quite remarkable achievement.”