Exeter engineers behind Harry Potter magic win King's Award

An Exeter-based special effects business, renowned for its work on 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child', has earned a prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

Luminous, a tech scale-up founded by engineers Mike Badley and Edwin Samkin in 2017, was recognised for its innovation and global export success. The company, headquartered at Exeter Science Park and now based in Sowton, has delivered awe-inspiring special effects for events like the Commonwealth Games, the Olympics, and theatrical productions worldwide.

The 15-strong team at Luminous specialises in engineering bespoke effects, from towering flames and digital rain to captivating smoke displays. Founder Mike Badley, whose background includes work on Bond, Star Wars, and Batman, emphasised the company’s commitment to unforgettable moments.

“We have had a long-standing arrangement with Hogwarts since the first theatre production of 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child' opened in the West End and have helped the productions practise their magic ever since,” said Badley. “Behind this is a huge amount of clever tech, and we are so proud of our brilliant team. This award is a fantastic recognition of the dedication and innovation they bring to their work.”

The pandemic posed significant challenges for Luminous, with the live events industry coming to a halt. The company adapted swiftly, producing hand sanitiser and face shields to support Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital. Post-pandemic, Luminous returned to its core business and continued to thrive.

Committed to nurturing local talent, Luminous collaborates with Exeter College to offer entry-level positions and apprenticeships, inspiring the next generation of engineers in Devon.

From its humble beginnings to international acclaim, Luminous showcases how Exeter’s innovation, technical expertise, and determination can illuminate stages around the world.