A HAMPSHIRE firm formed by a team of nine facing the risk of redundancy at their previous employers is up for a major award after less than two years in business.

Product design firm Conficio, based in Stockbridge, has been shortlisted for Team of the Year Award at the Natwest Great British Entrepreneur Awards 2018.

The company is best known designing the electronics which helped Richard Browning, dubbed the 'real iron man' to create the first wearable flying suit. Browning went on to win a land speed title in the Guinness Book of Records.

Conficio's managing director, Andrew House said: "It has been a bonkers first 15 months, going from nothing to a £1.2 million pipeline with some awesome clients all doing cool stuff, breaking new ground in their field.

"I am so proud of the fantastic team that I have the pleasure of working with every day."

Andrew and his team decided to strike out on their own when they realised the the electronics firm they were working for was struggling.

The firm helps entrepreneurs create prototypes and advises the practicality of their ideas.

In the case of Richard Browning and his flight suit, Conficio created the electronic controls which monitored the engines and fuel levels and the software for the heads-updisplay.

"It's great because we don't know who is going to come through the door next," said Andrew.

London based bicycle manufacturer Brompton, famed for their folding bikes, was another early client for Conficio where the team worked on its new E Bike project

Conficio's team of designers have backgrounds in the medical, military and automotive sectors are are currently working on a range of projects involving hardware and software.

These include a device to help people suffering from travel sickness and a terminal for a new electronic payment system.

The company started out with an investment of a few thousand pounds but has returned a turnover over of £318,000 in its first year which is set to rise to to £1 million in its second year.

Conficio, based at the Nine Mile Water Business Park, is currently recruiting for two more design engineers to cope with the extra workload.

The winners of the entrepreneur awards will be announced at London's Bloomsbury Big Top on November 28.