EchoPilot scoop top NFBP Award
EchoPilot Marine Electronics, who design and manufacture a range of marine instruments from their Ringwood base are the recipients of this year’s prestigious New Forest Business of the Year Award.
Company Director Susan Phillips received the top prize from the Hon. Ralph Montagu at the New Forest Brilliance in Business Awards which took place at Careys Manor Hotel on Wednesday 23th November.
The business also took first prize in ExxonMobil sponsored category for Innovation and Entrepreneurship for its wide ranging and impressive commitment to reducing their environmental footprint.
The company specialises in forward looking sonar equipment and recently has developed a 3D forward looking sonar system. This instrument displays a 3 dimensional view of the seabed up to 200 metres ahead of the boat in full colour and in real time.
The development of the 3D system has allowed EchoPilot to significantly increase turnover over the past year. The company’s export market is global and further growth in the company is forecast for the coming year based on the product’s early success.
New Forest Business Partnership Chairman, Rob Dewing said “This year has seen the highest standard of entries since the award scheme begun. We are delighted that despite the difficult trading conditions, many businesses in the New Forest are not only surviving but thriving; a point demonstrated by the truly excellent calibre of businesses selected as our category winners.”
The full list of category winners were as follows:
NFBP Business of the Year – EchoPilot Marine Electronics Ltd.
ExxonMobil Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship – EchoPilot Marine Electronics Ltd.
The Hampshire County Council Award for Best Use of Resources – Scorpion Vision Ltd
The Totton College for Training and Development – Chewton Glen Hotel & Spa
The New Forest National Park Authority Green Leaf Sustainable Business Award – Cottage Lodge
The Princecroft Willis Award for Best New Business – Rodeo Leisure
The New Forest District Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service – Signature Balloons
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Brand New Forest Campaign – Glow & Co
The runners up in each of categories were as follows:
ExxonMobil Award for Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Discovery Yachts
HPW Partnership Ltd.
The Hampshire County Council Award for Best Use of Resources:
Herb UK
The Wealth Care Partnership
The Totton College for Training and Development
BHG Marine
Burley’s Homecare Services
The New Forest National Park Authority Green Leaf Sustainable Business Award:
Daisybank Cottage Boutique Bed and Breakfast
Herald Publishing
The Princecroft Willis Award for Best New Business:
Celtic Equine Vets
Rosie Lea Bakery
The New Forest District Council Award for Outstanding Customer Service:
New Forest Activities
Stanwell House Hotel
The Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Brand New Forest Campaign:
Baskets and Blooms
Simply Beauty