THE best of the county’s companies were in the spotlight as the winners of the Hampshire Business Awards were announced at a glamorous ceremony.

Winners in five categories were revealed at an exclusive awards dinner in the grand surroundings of Winchester Guildhall.

The awards were hosted by BBC journalist Justin Webb and supported by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI).

The final award of the night, KPMG Company of the Year, went to Cleansing Service Group, which has its head office in Segensworth.

The award was accepted by managing director Neil Richards.

Presenting the award, Will Smith, KPMG Senior Partner for Southampton, said: “Cleansing Service Group is a family-owned company that continues in its 80th year to go from strength to strength by retaining the ethos of a family run business, focusing on exemplary customer service.”

The University of Southampton Technical Innovation award went to Isle of Wight company Innovative Physics, which specialises in radiation threat detection. The award was accepted by Victoria Anderson, the company’s business development officer.

Presenting the award, Don Spalinger, director of research and innovation services at the University of Southampton, said: “Innovative Physics have developed a next generation detection device to help emergency responses where radiation contamination is involved.

They work closely with their customers and continuously improve their product.”