In 1990, Ian Gardner founded Delta Fire, a global leader in supplying frontline firefighting safety equipment.

The business began as a small start-up workshop and since then has transformed into a state-of-the-art manufacturing organisation.

After more than three decades of growth and innovation, the business produces handheld fire nozzles used by the majority of UK fire and rescue services and emergency responders around the world.

In addition to the nozzles, Delta Fire designs and manufactures a comprehensive portfolio of firefighting equipment.

The equipment is used in more than 100 countries across a wide range of high-risk sectors, including aviation, defence, nuclear, marine and offshore, petrochemical, wildfire and forestry protection.

By combining cutting-edge design with practical functionality, the company continues to develop equipment aimed at improving firefighter safety in some of the most high-risk environments.

Ian (pictured with Steve Brown from sponsor Barclays Corporate Banking) won Outstanding Achievement at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2025 (Image: Matthew Potter Photographer and Videographer)

Ian was recognised for his hard work and dedication when he won the Outstanding Achievement award, sponsored by Barclays Corporate Banking, at the Eastern Daily Press Business Awards 2025.

He said it was “an incredible honour and deeply humbling” to win.

“This award represents not just my personal journey, but the collective effort of everyone who has supported me and Delta Fire over the years,” he added.

“It’s a recognition of decades of commitment to improving safety and serving fire and rescue services both in the UK and globally.”

As well as a source of personal satisfaction, winning the award has helped showcase Delta Fire to the world, said Ian.

“It’s important not to just to make great products, but also to make people aware of them and the company behind them,” he continued.

Under Ian’s leadership, the business, which employs more than 40 people, has progressed from using traditional manufacturing methods to employing advanced production technology, while being focused on sustainability.

Today the business uses solar-powered robotics and CNC (computer numerical control) machining to produce precision-engineered components for its fire suppression products.

Ian with one of the solar-powered robots (Image: Delta Fire)

Delta Fire operates from a factory and offices on Broadland Business Park in Norwich, which Ian said is now complemented by a new facility.

“I am thrilled to announce that our new 10,000 sq ft advanced CNC manufacturing facility using solar-powered, robot-attended machines has just been completed and became operational at the end of March,” he said.

“This has been built alongside our ultra-modern Broadland Business Park factory and offices and will facilitate future business growth in Norfolk.”

It’s another win for Delta Fire, which gained two King’s Awards for Enterprise last year for Innovation and Sustainable Development.

What makes Delta Fire such a winning business is its genuine understanding of the needs of the market and, most importantly, the people who rely on its products.

“Listening, adapting and staying focused on delivering innovation and quality in a sustainable way have been central to everything we do,” Ian said.

The achievements also come down to the knowledge and dedication of Ian, who has worked in the fire industry for more than 50 years.

After 36 years of growth and success for Delta Fire, Ian is targeting more of the same in the future.

“Our focus is on growing Delta Fire internationally and being recognised as a major global player in the fire industry, always leading in sustainable development.

“We aim to strengthen partnerships worldwide, continue innovating, and ensure our products set the benchmark for reliability and performance.”

With Ian at the helm, anything is possible.

For more information, visit deltafire.co.uk

To find out more about the EDP Business Awards, visit edpbusinessawards.co.uk 

© Eastern Daily Press