West Sussex storytelling technology experts presented with King’s Award for Enterprise

The company is the power behind the story, making products that put pictures on screens, like the immersive Stranger Things: The Experience.

The Lord-Lieutenant of West Sussex, Lady Emma Barnard, was given a behind-the-scenes tour this morning, before presenting the award. She was shown how the company developed all the hardware for the world's largest LED display, Sphere in Las Vegas, which opened in September last year.

Richard Brown, chief technology officer and owner, said: "One of the big things we did here is move from standard video, where you can plug your monitor in with a cable, to everything at the venue being network based. It's a big leap and no one else has really done that. It was three years in development and we were the first place to do all that work."

Lady Emma was shown how they developed a system to test the timing and was told it was an amazing project to be involved in, part of a long relationship with Sphere owner MSG.

Lady Emma was also introduced to Totem Paul in a demonstration of projection mapping virtual sets in real time. She was told this system had been used with local schools and at Chailey Heritage Foundation, to help young people with complex disabilities.

Ed Patchett, commercial director, said: "To get children interested in science, we marry the physical with the virtual computer system. We give them a flat map of Paul and get them to colour it in.

"We can take that and put a feed of it on Paul in real time for them. Linking the virtual world to the real world gives out a powerful message. It is about engagement and being interactive."

At Chailey, it means the young people can be shown exactly what it would be like going to the shops, for example, to help alleviate anxieties before they face it in real life.

The privately-owned AV creative technology company was established in Upper Beeding in 2004 and now has offices in London, Michigan, Florida and California. There are 55 staff, about two thirds of them based in West Sussex.

Deputy Lieutenant John Barclay said he felt like he had flown to the moon and back. He read the Royal Warrant to staff in Upper Beeding and others on a live feed to America, and said it was well deserved.

Matt Barton, 7thSense owner and chairperson, said: "The last few years have been a rollercoaster. We know it's been tough getting these amazing projects delivered and it continues to be tough, and we really do appreciate all of the effort the team puts in every day. It is the performance of this team that creates the experiences that gets us awards like this."

Since 2004, 7thSense has established itself across multiple specialist markets with highly innovative products, all of which are developed, tested and built in-house at the headquarters in West Sussex.

The 7thSense technologies form a key component of some of the world’s most technically complex and experientially breath-taking media-based experiences and attractions.

Its products are in use in exciting visitor experiences in thousands of venues worldwide, including the ‘Three Fights with Baigujing flying dark ride at Huai’an Xiyou World in China, Expo 2020 Dubai, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run ride at Disneyland in California, Dubai’s Museum of the Future, and Sphere Las Vegas.

Matt said: "We are honoured to have been recognised with a King’s Award. During our 20 years as a company, we have built a reputation for quality, performance, export success, innovation and service. I’m incredibly proud of what the 7thSense team has achieved.

"Our customers come to us with complex display and challenges. They will not accept compromise in quality and reliability, and neither do we. Our ongoing success reflects that."

Bryan Hinckley, 7thSense chief executive, added: "Our strategy is to deliver unrivalled customer service, continuous innovation and and the most compelling experiences through technology for storytelling.

"To be recognised with an award that acknowledges our major business growth during the challenging Covid and Brexit periods is truly testament to the dedication and agility of our incredible team.”

The award was made in April 2023 for outstanding short-term growth in overseas sales over three years. The company was also awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise Innovation in 2014.