The Top 5 Licensed Radios for Your UK Business
30/09/2025
In the fast-paced world of UK business, instant and reliable communication isn't a luxury—it's an absolute necessity. Whether you’re managing a bustling construction site, coordinating a large-scale event, or running a busy warehouse, a licensed two-way radio (or 'walkie-talkie' in old-school terms) offers the range, clarity, and security that consumer-grade devices simply can’t match.
We’ve pulled together a list of five outstanding, new-generation licensed devices from the industry’s leading names, Motorola Solutions and Hytera, to help you find the perfect fit for your team.
What is a Licensed Radio?
Before we dive in, a quick note: a licensed radio operates on dedicated, private radio frequencies, requiring a specific licence from Ofcom in the UK. This gives you greater range, more power, and less interference than licence-free PMR446 devices, making them the choice for professional, mission-critical communications.
1. The Flagship Workhorse: Motorola MOTOTRBO R7
The R7 is Motorola's latest flagship model, designed to replace the hugely popular DP4000e series. It's the ultimate choice for environments where audio clarity and ruggedness are paramount.
Key Features:
AI-Trained Noise Suppression: Dramatically cuts out background noise (think heavy machinery or crowds) for crystal-clear voice communication.
IP68 Rating: Top-tier dust and waterproofing—it can survive being submerged in water.
Loud Audio: High phons output ensures messages cut through loud environments.
Safety Features: Includes options for Lone Worker and Man Down alerts.
Best For: Manufacturing, heavy construction, oil & gas, and large-scale event security. It's an investment in premium, future-proof communication.
2. The Mid-Range Champion: Hytera HP685 / HP785 (H-Series)
Part of Hytera’s new H-Series, the HP685 (non-keypad) and HP785 (full keypad) are sleek, modern DMR (Digital Mobile Radio) devices that strike an excellent balance between performance and portability.
Key Features:
Slim & Lightweight Design: More discreet and comfortable for long shifts.
Enhanced Audio: AI-based noise cancellation and powerful speakers.
Exceptional Battery Life: Often exceeding 20 hours on a single charge.
High Sensitivity: Delivers clearer communication even in fringe signal areas.
Best For: Hospitality, security, education, and retail management where staff need a rugged yet stylish device that's easy to carry all day.
3. Best for Value & Durability: Motorola MOTOTRBO R2
The R2 is the successor to the long-serving DP1400, positioned as a cost-effective workhorse. It’s simple, tough, and offers a huge leap in performance over older analogue models.
Key Features:
Long Battery Life: Typically offering up to 28 hours of talk time.
Slim and Ergonomic: Designed for comfortable handling and belt-carrying.
Rugged Build: Built to military standards (MIL-STD 810) for reliability.
Digital Audio Quality: Clear, crisp voice transmission across the range.
Best For: Construction, logistics, warehousing, and transport companies looking for a reliable, no-frills digital upgrade on a sensible budget.
4. The Compact Specialist: Hytera BP515 / BP565
If you're after a small, highly portable radio that doesn't sacrifice coverage, the Hytera BP-Series is a standout. These models are designed to be slim and easy to use, making them perfect for customer-facing teams.
Key Features:
Ultralight & Compact: Minimal bulk, ideal for wearing under a uniform or jacket.
USB-C Charging: Modern, convenient charging via a common cable (BP565 model).
Digital and Analogue Compatibility: Works with both new digital and older analogue systems for an easy transition.
Loud Speaker: Excellent audio for a small device.
Best For: Hotels, schools, large retail outlets, and office buildings where a discreet but effective communication tool is needed.
5. The Hazardous Environment Pro: Motorola MOTOTRBO R7Ex (ATEX)
For businesses operating in potentially explosive atmospheres—such as chemical plants, oil rigs, or areas with combustible dust—safety is non-negotiable. The R7Ex is a specialist ATEX-certified version of the R7.
Key Features:
ATEX and IECEx Certified: Safe for use in hazardous zones.
Integrated Safety: Advanced features like Man Down, Lone Worker, and dedicated emergency buttons.
Vibrant Display: Helps in low-light environments.
Supreme Ruggedness: Shares the R7's IP68 rating and military standard durability.
Best For: Chemical processing, oil & gas, mining, and other industries where there is a risk of explosion. It's the highest level of safety and performance available.
Getting Your Licence
Remember, to operate any of these powerful licensed radios, you will need an Ofcom Business Radio (Simple Site) Licence. This is typically an affordable, five-year licence that covers all your radios across a local area, granting you the legal access to the superior frequencies these devices use.
Ready to boost your team's communication? Contact us today to discuss your exact needs and arrange a demo! Also you can read more about these devices on our dedicated Motorola Hardware and Hytera Hardware pages.
News Archive
25/09/2025
31/07/2025
31/07/2025
31/07/2025
30/06/2025
30/04/2025
30/04/2025
31/03/2025
26/03/2025
19/02/2025
13/02/2025
13/02/2025
07/02/2025
14/01/2025
17/12/2024
17/12/2024
13/12/2024
31/05/2024
28/05/2024
25/04/2024
05/02/2024
31/01/2024
22/12/2023
22/12/2023
22/11/2023
10/11/2023
27/10/2023
26/10/2023
22/09/2023
31/08/2023
09/05/2023
20/01/2023
23/12/2022
30/11/2022
31/10/2022
28/01/2021
14/09/2020
15/06/2020
22/05/2020
18/12/2019
31/07/2018
20/02/2018
05/10/2017
See What Our Clients Say
“Eemits Communications has been a long-time partner of Whitby Seafoods. Their single-site conventional digital repeater system has driven daily efficiency and given us greater on-site access control. We appreciate their continued commitment to customer satisfaction and look forward to what the future holds.”
"We have a great and longstanding working relationship with Eemits and they have always ticked every box. They offer an excellent, friendly and reliable service.
Eemits have a great understanding of the park and its needs for the customer and our retailers. With a positive can-do attitude, they never say no."
"We started working with Eemits following on from a recommendation from another customer. They provided us with a solution that suits our needs and they continue to supply the best service with no issues.
Eemits is a professional, friendly and reliable company."
"Eemits continue to provide us with a great supportive service consistently being very helpful. The whole team is great and it's very clear the staff have a great knowledge of the products and are happy to pass this on.
Eemits is a great company."
"The service offered by Eemits is second to none, we have a great working relationship with them and the contract we have is good value for money."
"We needed two-way radios for the guys on the test track and something that was scalable. The solution Eemits provided was far superior in comparison to other competitors offerings.
Everything is done in-house and the service and sales department is particularly good. As masters in their field they are extremely knowledgeable."
"Eemits dedicate a lot of time to us as a customer - we feel like we get a personal touch. They're excellent and go above and beyond. They'll put the work in - i.e. training users.
Good quality, good people, good team, all of who are positive about their company. They demonstrate real passion."
"The quality of service that Eemits provides is excellent. The team is very knowledgeable and they offer high quality products. The TRBOCALL solution fitted meets our site requirements and upgrades our technology.
Lone worker function is particularly useful allowing us to monitor our staff ensuring they are safe at all times."
"Eemits Communication is friendly, professional and competitive. They are excellent and their workmanship and knowledge is great.
Eemits attitude sets them apart - no problem is too big"
"Prior to the installation of our current system onsite communications were poor. Eemits Communications offered us guidance and advice on the different technologies available and delivered a highly effective system on time and within our budget. Its success has led to other departments using the system."
"Eemits Communications Ltd have been involved in work at Hartlepool Power Station for over 10 years now. During this time they have installed an Aerial network through our buildings to enable more efficient internal radio communications.
I have found the staff highly professional at all times and willing to provide help whenever they can, I would have no hesitation in recommending this company."
"Having previously worked with Eemits, we knew that we were dealing with a supplier that we could trust and one that could help us to significantly increase the safety of our lone workers with its unique solutions.
The equipment supplied by Eemits is excellent. We have been greatly impressed by the knowledge and skills of their engineers who have carried out the onsite surveys and installation of the system.
Eemits came up with an innovative approach to overcome challenges that we had with installing a system with the structure of our building, and as such, the quality of radio frequency is outstanding."
"The service delivered by Eemits has been excellent and we have developed a very good working relationship over the years.
As a local business to Falck Fire Services they can respond to faults or general requests very quickly - which is very important in our line of work - whereas similar suppliers have a greater response time.
TRBOCALL is an overall platform that has made a massive improvement to our communications in comparison to the analogue system that we had been using for many years. It provides us with many different applications that can be utilised across the business.
Since introducing TRBOCALL we have seen significant improvements related to safety and in our communications itself, which is critical to our operations."