Sussex business Flare Audio presented with King's Award for Excellence for innovative stress-relieving product Calmer

The Lancing firm has been helping millions of people across the globe to deal with stress caused by uncomfortable sound, thanks to its clever in-ear product.

The Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, visited the headquarters at Chartwell Business Centre on Thursday, April 30, to present the King’s Award for Enterprise for outstanding achievement in the innovation category.

Lady Emma said: “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.”

Following a tour of the premises and talk explaining Flare’s fascinating journey, Lady Emma presented the award to co-chief executives Davies and Naomi Roberts.

Guests at the reception included acclaimed producer Chris Kimsey, best known for his work with The Rolling Stones, East Worthing and Shoreham MP Tom Rutland, Worthing and Adur Chamber of Commerce chief executive Tracie Davey and MDHUB managing director Fiona Shafer.

Tom said: “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.”

Flare was one of just 46 companies recognised in the innovation category in 2025. The accolade focused on Calmer, the company's small silicone in-ear device that reduces stress from annoying and uncomfortable noises without blocking sound, and avoids 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 more than 2million pairs across 186 countries.

Davies Roberts, product inventor, attended a royal reception at Windsor Castle last June 25, where he was able to discuss Calmer with the King and present him with his own pair.

He said: “I can’t express how humbled I am that one of my inventions has been recognised by the King. 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 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.

Chris Kimsey said: “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.”

Tracie Davey said: “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!”

Fiona Shafer said: “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!”