Hi-tech and tourism businesses grab the honours at the Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards

Hi-tech company QLM Technology were crowned Business of the Year in an inspiring night of celebration at the Torbay Weekly Business Awards last night.

Almost 300 people attended the Naturally Inspiring awards gala finals night at the Riviera International Conference Centre in Torquay.

QLM Technology, with a base at the EPIC Centre off the Torbay Ring Road in Paignton, is carrying out world-pioneering work in the battle against climate change.

It has developed a new type of laser imaging, detection, and ranging camera based on quantum technology that can see and accurately quantify greenhouse gas emissions.

The gas imager enables customers to monitor, detect and accurately locate and quantify greenhouse gas emission sources for rapid repair.

QLM, who also won the Best New Business category, were one of several companies from Torbay's hi-tech' cluster to taste success on the night with Bay Photonics (Innovation) and Spirent Communications (Inspiring Employer) also picking up awards.

Casting Support Systems, led by Ted Head, won the Environmental Award to cap a great year for the Paignton-based company who were awarded the Queen's Award for Enterprise just a few month ago.

The tourism and hospitality sector were also celebrating success. Splashdown, who are planning major improvements at their Goodrington water park, and award-winning Beverley Holidays joint winners of the Best Tourism Business category.

Lorraine Arnold, from Pier Point in Torquay, was named James Wright Inspirational Business Leader of the Year - an award nicknamed the 'Jimmy' award in memory of the late James Wright from Majestic Holidays and presented by his son Mark. And digital marketing specialist Gina Franchi was named Young Business Person.

Expanding training firm Essential 6 won the Small Business category and Sound Communities were awarded the Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez's award for its work out in the community and with young people.

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker presented Lifetime Achievements to Tanny Stobart for her inspirational work championing young people out in the community, and Nick Powe, whose pre-historic Kents Cavern caves and business stretch back 165 people.

Andy-Banner Price, who with husband Julian runs the 25 Boutique B&B in Torquay, gave an inspiring talk on how they created success at the 25 Boutique and how had only recently battled inspiringly and successfully against cancer.