A HAMPSHIRE electronics and software design company has been named Start-up of the Year at the British Engineering Excellence Awards.

CircuitWorx based at Lockerley was founded four years ago by directors, Carl Matthews and Robert Steel, two experienced engineers who financed the firm with their own savings.

The business now employs nine including two staff members who are jointly employed by Selva, a French electronics firm which is CircuitWorx's main manufacturing partner.

It electronics and software design services, primarily to start-ups and small companies across a range of market sectors.

Customers include Vodafone, Test Valley Packaging, Universal Music Group and Places for People.

Circuitworx is currently based in a converted barn at the Home Farm Business Centre but next year will be moving to Dean Hill Park at nearby West Dean.

The move will provide more lab space and the firm is also taking on more staff.

Carl Matthews said: “We’re delighted to have been recognised in this way at a national awards ceremony. It’s a great reflection of the hard work everyone in our team puts in, and is demonstrative of our ongoing commitment to delivering great results for both our clients and our employees.

"In expanding the company we have been careful to maintain our original business ethos and culture: our primary aim is not to maximise profits for shareholders but rather to make CircuitWorx an enjoyable, interesting, satisfying and responsible place to work. We do not 'micromanage' our staff but we do respect their intelligence and trust them to do their job well, supporting each other as a team to deliver quality work to our clients. We’re so proud of how far we’ve come!”

CircuitWorx received their award at at a lunchtime ceremony held at London's County Hall.

The firm was also shortlisted for small company of the year at the awards.