Creating a safer, greener, more secure future.

King’s Award Presented to WHIS by Somerset’s Lord-Lieutenant and Deputies

Andrew Longhurst, Managing Director receiving the King's Award from Mr Mohammed Saddiq, the Lord- Lieutenant of Somerset

We had the honour of welcoming the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, Mr Mohammed Saddiq, along with Deputy Lieutenants Brigadier Nigel Beacom and Mr Denis Burn, to our Long Ashton office. Their visit marked the final and most symbolic chapter in our journey after winning the King’s Award for Enterprise in the International Trade category back in May.

Receiving the King’s Award is a rare and prestigious recognition, but for us, it’s also a celebration of the people, ideas, and values that have shaped our company’s story.

A Daily Touchpoint with Millions

Beyond recognition, the award reflects the real-world impact of our technology. With customers across the globe and over 95% of business conducted overseas, our software underpins the systems that keep people safe. Across industries, from automotive and medical to aerospace and industrial, our technology powers safety-critical applications such as advanced driver-assist systems and infusion pumps. At the heart of these applications is our safety-critical Real Time Operating System (RTOS), SAFERTOS®, the software that ensures tasks run precisely, safely, and on time.

Whether consciously or not, most people have interacted with SAFERTOS® at least once today, a quiet testament to the trust we’ve built and the relevance of our solutions in everyday life. It’s this kind of impact that the King’s Award celebrates, enterprise that touches lives, drives progress, and sets new standards.

The Journey Behind the Honour

Our path to the King’s Award wasn’t linear. It was shaped by years of rigorous engineering, continuous certification work, and a commitment to advancing safety-critical software that engineers can trust. Every step was driven by a shared belief in what we do and why it matters.

Looking Ahead

As we close this chapter, we’re already thinking about the future. We’re inspired to keep pushing boundaries, exploring new ideas, and making a meaningful impact in everything we do.

Our new office space reflects this momentum. Designed to foster collaboration and creativity, it’s a physical embodiment of our forward-thinking culture and our readiness for what’s next.

Thank You

As we continue advancing safety-critical software for industries where reliability saves lives, we reflect on how far we’ve come, from a small team with a big idea to a company with international reach and a reputation for excellence.

This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our people. It belongs to every team member who contributed their time, talent, and energy to help us grow and evolve. It’s also a reflection of the trust our clients and partners place in us.

And to the Lord-Lieutenant and his Deputies, thank you for helping us mark this milestone.

Back to News