Sussex Business Presented with Kings Award for Breakthrough Hearing Tool, Calmer

Sussex-based technology company, Flare Audio, were presented with The King’s Award for Enterprise today, for their breakthrough stress-relieving product Calmer.

The company have been helping millions of people across the globe deal with stress caused by uncomfortable sound, with their clever in-ear product.  Having been selected to receive The King’s Award for Enterprise in the Innovation category, today saw the official presentation, which took place at the company’s Lancing HQ.

His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, presented Co-CEO’s Davies and Naomi Roberts with their Award and certification, following a tour of the business’s premises and talk through Flare’s fascinating journey.

Employees and guests then moved on to the formal presentation, followed by a reception, where guests included acclaimed Producer Chris Kimsey (Rolling Stones), MP for East Worthing & Shoreham, Tom Rutland, Chief Executive of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce, Tracie Davey and Managing Director of MDHUB, Fiona Shafer.

The King’s Awards are a globally recognised mark of achievement, honouring outstanding UK businesses. Flare was one of just 46 companies recognised this year in the Innovation category. The accolade focusses on the company’s unique breakthrough product, Calmer; a small silicone in-ear device that reduces stress from annoying and uncomfortable noises without blocking sound - and avoiding the isolation caused by ear plugs.  

Calmer works by altering the ear's internal geometry to soften high-frequency sounds, providing relief for everything from noise from busy places, eating sounds and family hecticness, to providing often life-changing benefits for those with sound sensitivities, including those associated with autism or ADHD. The company has sold over 2 million pairs across 186 countries.

Flare’s Product Inventor and Co-Founder, Davies Roberts, attended a Royal Reception at Windsor Castle hosted by His Majesty The King in June 25, where he got to discuss Calmer with His Majesty and presented him with his own pair.  Today’s ceremony was a formal presentation of the award and Grant of Appointment, by The King’s personal representative, the Lord-Lieutenant.

“I can’t express how humbled I am that one of my inventions has been recognised by the King,” said Flare’s Davies Roberts. “When we founded Flare, we had a clear mission to develop meaningful sound technologies. We started by redesigning loudspeakers and had no idea that our constant innovation and R&D would lead us to creating products that help calm our response to stressful noises. We’re honoured for Flare to receive this award today from Lady Emma, being recognised for an invention that is making a difference in the world is what every inventor dreams of.”

Employing just 19 people, Flare was founded in 2007 and has made several breakthroughs in the world of consumer audio technology, particularly in its mission to minimise distortion and deliver sound in its truest form. The company has gained support from big name artists and producers for its award-winning, high-clarity earphone technology, including broadcaster and music lover Stephen Fry, Producer Tony Visconti and BBC DJ Chris Hawkins.

The King’s Award programme is now in its 59th year. Recipients are able to use the esteemed King’s Awards Emblem for the next five years.

QUOTES:

‘I'm absolutely delighted that Flare Audio is receiving this very prestigious Award.  All nominations for The King’s Award for Enterprise are very rigorously assessed, so this is a well-deserved recognition of the company’s tremendous achievement in developing Calmer, a truly inspired and imaginative innovation that is making a real difference to the lives of many people.  It is a joy and a privilege for me to present the Award, on behalf of His Majesty The King, and my heartiest congratulations go to everyone concerned.’

Lady Emma Barnard, HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex

“Flare is an incredible local success story. Listening to their products transformed sound for me; hearing all the individual layers of the music was like being in the room with the orchestra. The King’s Award is a tremendous achievement and it’s great to see an amazing local business recognised in this way.”

Tom Rutland, MP for East Worthing & Shoreham

“Worthing & Adur Chamber are absolutely delighted to celebrate Flare Audio’s Kings Award. Flare are an incredible local business and the most extraordinary innovators. We’re so proud to have Davies and Naomi as members and as part of our local business community. Keep doing what you’re doing and we look forward to what’s next!”

Tracie Davey, Chief Executive of the Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce

“As long-term members of MDHUB, we are beyond thrilled at Flare Audio being awarded this prestigious award. Davies, Naomi and their team thoroughly deserve this recognition for their ground-breaking innovation Calmer, that is changing people’s lives. Well done!”

Fiona Shafer, Managing Director of MDHUB

“Hard work, an innovative approach to how we listen to the sound around us and an enduring belief in saving our ears has led to this amazing achievement by Team Flare. Inspirational.”
Chris Kimsey, Producer (Rolling Stones)

www.flareaudio.com
https://www.gov.uk/kings-awards-for-enterprise.