THEY are the forward-thinking businesses who are achieving success through new ideas, technology and practices.

The finalists in the Test Valley Business Awards (TVBA) Innovation and Technology category have been announced.

This year the three companies vying to take the top spot are VuePoint Solutions Ltd, vivaMOS Ltd and Inflowmatix Ltd.

Sponsored and judged by the University of Southampton Science Park, the award serves to recognise those who are innovative in the way they work and their ideas.

Science park chief executive officer Peter Birkett said: “I always look forward to reviewing TVBA award entries immensely.

“It’s really important for me to see what innovation is taking place beyond the science park boundaries and I’m never disappointed.

“This year’s shortlisted companies are well deserved.

“They should feel very proud of their achievements to date and look forward to further success in the future.”

One of those who is celebrating the shortlist is chief executive officer of vivaMOS Ltd Dan Cathie who said: “We’re delighted to have reached this stage in the competition and to be recognised as one of the finalists.

“As a technology start-up, it’s a real pleasure to be recognised within the region for the innovation we’re bringing to the X-ray detector market.

“We believe our ideas will help shape the future of medical X-ray imaging.”

And chief operating officer of Inflowmatix Limited Robin Bell said: “The team at Inflowmatix are extremely excited to be a finalist in the Innovation and Technology Award category of the Test Valley Business Awards. As a local company it’s a privilege to have recognition of our achievements from our peers.

“There are exciting times ahead and we are all looking forward to working together and growing the business.”

While Mark Taylor, managing director of VuePoint Solutions Ltd, said: “This is fantastic news on the back of winning the INSPIRE Award for Innovation Excellence in November last year.

“With over 220 entries across six categories, VuePoint is one of only 18 businesses shortlisted for an award.

“Again this is yet more recognition of all the hard work that the team at VuePoint have put in to developing our Energy Risk VuePoint service and making VuePoint such an enjoyable place to work, helping to meet our vision of being on the desktop of every energy professional and in bringing clarity and insight to complex environments.”