Our Story
OUR STORY
For over 30 years, the world’s greatest technology and defence organisations have worked with Chess Dynamics to deliver modular, maintainable, market-leading, and reliable systems.
This long-standing success is built on strong partnerships - with loyal customers, dedicated employees, and committed industry collaborators. These relationships have shaped a journey defined by innovation, adaptability, and purpose.
At the core of Chess Dynamics is a pioneering approach, not just in the technologies developed, but in how challenges are managed. Every research and development initiative begins with a customer need. By working closely with users and treating them as partners, Chess ensures that solutions are grounded in real-world requirements. This collaborative spirit has enabled the company to tackle challenges others may avoid.
Innovation at Chess is not limited to defence. Recognising the rapid advancements in the commercial sector, Chess continually explores ways to adapt and enhance these technologies for defence applications - bridging the gap between the two domains to deliver cutting-edge capability.
Flexibility is key to this innovation. As an agile business, Chess is able to quickly respond to changing threats and shifting requirements in defence and security. This responsiveness allows the company to complement the work of larger organisations, offering tailored, timely solutions that enhance existing programmes and support operational readiness.
From milestone achievements to enduring relationships, Chess Dynamics continues to lead with integrity, innovation, and a commitment to delivering excellence.
We are Chess Dynamics.
General Company FAQs
What inspired the name 'Chess Dynamics'
Originally the company didn’t have a name. Chess' founder, Graham Beall traded as a design consultant. By early 1993 it was clear that the business was growing, and he needed to operate as a Limited Company. Eventually he came up with the name, Chess Engineering Systems Ltd. “Chess” was chosen because it was a great description of the function of our pick and place machines. Also “Chess” is an internationally known name and was easily recognizable. Our machines were so intelligent and accurate that they had the ability to “play chess and move around intelligently” – hence why “Chess” was a fitting name for the early business.
What market segments are you active in?
Chess operates in two strategic business areas: Land (branded as Hawkeye Systems) and Maritime (branded as SeaEagle Systems). Our capability areas include: Surveillance, Fire Control Positioning Systems.
Are you open to working and collaborating with other companies?
Yes, Chess is a sub-system supplier and would welcome the opportunity to collaborate and work with other companies. Design excellence and collaboration are at the heart of all we do.
Do you offer bespoke design and manufacturing against specific customer specifications?
Yes. Our customers often face individual challenges where one size does not fit all. Chess Dynamics has three decades of experience in designing, developing and manufacturing specialist electro-mechanical products and solutions to meet individual needs. We deliver bespoke designed, modified, tailored and fully customised products that can be embedded into our customer integrated solutions to meet any challenge.
Where are your products manufactured?
All of our systems are designed and manufactured in-house across our three UK sites.
Can you export to all countries?
We export in line with UK guidance.
What Quality standards do you work to?
Chess holds ISO9001, the international standard for a Quality Management System. We also work to IPC soldering and wiring standards.
Do your products have any Russian content or ITAR controlled technology?
Chess Dynamics products do not contain any ITAR controlled parts or parts of Russian origin.
Where are your offices based?
Chess Dynamics has three UK sites. Horsham (Head Office), Plymouth (Maritime Centre of Excellence) and Wokingham (Software House).
What other companies are in the Cohort Group?
Cohort is the parent company of seven innovative, agile and responsive businesses. The seven operating subsidiaries are Chess, EID, ELAC Sonar, MASS, MCL, SEA and EM Solutions.
What is your Value Proposition? / Why Chess?
Protect what matters most with dependable, cost effective technology. Chess has three decades of experience in designing, developing and manufacturing solutions from the ground up. This includes being able to offer first-rate bespoke design and rapid prototyping services. And as we are the engineers who design and build our solutions, we also provide high-quality training, refurbishments and maintenance services.
