A HAMPSHIRE computer firm has been presented with the Queen’s Award for Enterprise.

Fareham-based Captec received the honour from the Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson, in a ceremony also attended by the mayor of Fareham, Cllr Mrs Connie Hockley.

The designers and manufacturers of specialist computing platforms was chosen as a winner in the Enterprise category for its International Trade and Development growth.

The reception, held at Captec’s Fareham HQ, included a company tour, award-giving and a celebratory champagne lunch for visitors and staff.

Captec employ around 100 at Fareham and also have offices in Ontario and Virginia.

Speaking to guests, Captec managing director and founder, Professor Max Toti, said it was an honour it was to be named as winners on Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday, and 60th year on the throne.

The Lord-Lieutenant congratulated Mr Toti and the company for its growth since inception in 1985 and its ability to engineer specialist computers which can function in the most challenging environments.

Captec computers are at work in hospitals and the London Underground and one of their latest projects has been making tablets for bingo halls which have replaced the old bingo dabber and card.

The Lord-Lieutenant paid tribute to the other 48 South-East winners, stating he hoped the successes had inspired other businesses in the region to enter the Queen’s Awards.

During the presentation, the Citation and Grant of Appointment were read out to attendees by the Deputy-Lieutenant, Andrew Kent Esq., before being formally presented.

As part of the Queen’s Award success, Mr Toti also attended a Buckingham Palace reception in for winning companies in July.

Captec is going for hat-trick of Queen’s Awards. The entry for the Sustainable Development category has already been submitted, while the Award for Innovation remains high on the company’s agenda.

Speaking after the ceremony, Prof Toti said: “We are honoured and delighted to have won this award.

"My wife and I treasured our visit to Buckingham Palace. This has inspired us to strive to win the two other Queen’s awards.”