Surrey-based triathlon and open-water swimming brand Zone3 has been honoured with a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.
The award was formally presented by HRH The Duke of Gloucester to founder and CEO James Lock on 30 September, surrounded by his 21-strong team at the company’s Send head office in Surrey. This marks the second time Zone3 has earned the award, the first being in 2018.
With products now available in over 35 countries, Zone3 was recognised for its sustained global growth, product innovation and commitment to excellence.
Mr Michael More-Molyneux HM Lord-Lieutenant said: “Zone3 is a real success story in the triathlon industry and is making an outstanding mark on the global stage. Their growth, innovation and commitment to sustainability are truly impressive, and this King’s Award for Enterprise is a well-deserved recognition of their achievements.”
Founded in 2006 by former elite triathlete James Lock, while studying at Loughborough University, Zone3 has grown from grassroots beginnings into a world leader in triathlon gear and open water swimming kit.
Its strategic international expansion includes new distributor networks across Spain, Benelux and Australia, which have reduced shipping costs and the impact of travel, plus ensured local customer support.
This global presence has made Zone3 a trusted name in the international triathlon community, which is further strengthened by a team of global ambassadors and Zone3 athletes.
In 2024, Zone3 transitioned to an employee-owned model, empowering its staff and establishing a culture of shared responsibility. This shift has boosted innovation, commitment and community spirit, which have continued to act as key factors in the company’s global success. With its head office in Send, Surrey, Zone3 is a valued success story for the whole region.
James Lock said: “Winning a King’s Award is an incredible honour for Zone3 and a proud moment in our journey. When I started this brand as a student and triathlete, it was built on a passion for performance and a drive to do things better.
“This award recognises the innovation, hard work and commitment behind every product we create. It’s not just a win for us – it’s a moment of pride for the entire triathlon industry, showing how far the sport has come and the impact it can have on a global stage.”
Zone3 is renowned for its performance wear, with some of the most technically advanced wetsuits and kit available on the market, alongside entry-level apparel, which is helping to entice newcomers into the sport.
Alongside performance, Zone3 continues to champion an industry shift towards greater sustainability. Earlier this year, it launched the ‘Aspire’ wetsuit, which was the brand’s most innovative and sustainable wetsuit to date.
This came hot on the heels of its award-winning ‘Vision’ wetsuit, which was named Triathlete Magazine’s ‘Wetsuit of the Year’ in 2024.
Both innovative designs are crafted from a revolutionary Yamamoto neoprene material, which is designed to deliver elite performance while reducing environmental impact. The wetsuits biodegrade after their natural life finishes, which is a world first for such a high-functioning, smooth skin wetsuit.
Zone3 is the only performance brand in the world that Yamamoto chose to work with on this neoprene, allowing it to deliver these leading earth-conscious credentials while never compromising on performance.
