LEADING UK electrical systems integrator Newport-based IAC has been recognised as a UK and global leader at a top awards.

IAC Ltd, of Queensway Meadows, was named SME of the Year at the annual ESTnet Awards, held to celebrate excellence in Wales’ electronics and software technology industries.

The firm was among a number of Gwent firms which scooped prizes at the awards, including Company of the Year and Exporter of the Year, Newport-based SPTS Technologies Ltd; Supplier of the Year, Axiom Manufacturing Services, of Newbridge; Innovative Product of the Year, General Dynamics UK Ltd, of Oakdale for its Virtual Advanced Synthetic Trainer; Start Up of the Year Caerphilly-based Leopard Digital and Young Engineer of the Year, Anthony Harrison, of specialist semiconductor manufacturer IR, of Newport.

IAC, which employs 65 people and which is based at Queensway Meadows, undertakes complex integration projects both in the UK and overseas, for a huge range of industries including paper, metals pharmaceuticals, materials handling, food, chemicals, printing, textiles, water and nuclear power.

IAC Ltd managing director Peter Lewis said: “It is very satisfying to be recognised by your peers, particularly when they are looking at how the company is run. I believe that our philosophy of paying particular attention to the people in the organisation was what the judges saw as a real asset.”

Edwina Hart, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport said: “There are more than 3,000 companies working in the sector in Wales and when you see the enthusiasm and innovation you see that there is a bright future.”

ESTnet chair Ian Menzies said: “Ours is an industry that drives the global economy. It is one of Wales’ most vibrant and important sectors, employing more than 24,000 people in over 600 companies who collectively generate a turnover of over £7billion.”

SPTS Technologies Ltd employs around 250 people at The Coldra, Newport and manufactures equipment used to make electronic devices inside a range of products such as smartphones, tablet computers and cars. Its two ESTnet awards crown a year in which the firm expanded its already extensive network in Asia by opening an office in South Korea, won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and was named as an ‘anchor company’ by the Welsh Government.

The judging panel for the awards was: Dr Steve Welch, Domain Director the Knowledge Transfer Network; David Rosser, Welsh Government Director of Innovation; Eurfyl ap Gwilym, Non-Executive Director; Emma Watkins, Director of CBI Wales and Professor Julie Lydon, Vice Chancellor of the University of South Wales.

The ESTnet, set up in 2011, is a network of technology enterprises designed to provide a collaborative environment for people and organisations working within the electronics and software technology industries to create strong business relationships, exchange knowledge and share ideas.