THE top award of the night went to a software developer.

DCSL Software, based in Farnborough, picked up another Inspire Award to add to its trophy cabinet.

Having previously won the Entrepreneur of the Year Award with Nick Thompson in the 2016 awards, the developer collected the top award this year.

Managing director and owner Nick Thompson said: “It’s really amazing to be the business of the year in the whole of north Hampshire, it is absolutely amazing.

“We’ve achieved a lot in the past 12 months, and our growth has been substantial. We’ve employed 30 people, our revenue is up by a million pounds, and we are not stopping there.

“We have a big growth plan, we are looking to double our business and expand our services, the market is growing for software, and we are looking to keep going on that.”

The company creates bespoke software, designing and building intelligent, cost-effective and intuitive web, mobile and desktop applications. These help to streamline operational processes for businesses and create new revenue streams.

Nick added: “It really is great and absolutely fantastic, we will be shouting about it going forward, and we are thinking that there will be an increase in interest from this. We are really hopeful for the future.”

Business of the Year Award, sponsored by Herrington Carmichael

Winner: DCSL Software

Nominees: Jargon PR and Childs Farm