Technology firm with "Remarkable success story" is tech awards winner

Pictured left to right are: Spencer Kelly presents Click on BBC. Chris Hill – Spinlock Ltd. Pete Hughes – Aura Technology. Tim Walker – Aura Technology © Spinlock

The Isle of Wight-based marine design and manufacturing company, Spinlock, has won Marine Tech Company of the Year at the South Coast Tech Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Aura Technology and other firms based throughout the region, recognise the South's outstanding tech businesses.

Spinlock is renowned for its sailboat and personal safety equipment products and is official lifejacket supplier to the Clipper round-the-world yacht race.

Two years ago, this multi-award winning company invested in a tech firm to work with its team on creating multiple data-driven sailing sensors and applications to advance performance and safety out on the water.

Spinlock's CEO, Chris Hill, said, "We are absolutely delighted to win this award for the new and exciting technology we produce. Our data-based sailing products for improving the management of sails using apps linked by Bluetooth, include measurement of hours use, degradation, UV light measurement and asset management, are proving immensely popular with both end-user customers and trade clients."

The award judges commented, Spinlock "has an impressive track record in personal safety products and is a remarkable success story in developing technology for sail monitoring and management."

More than 200 guests attended the glittering awards ceremony at the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, hosted by BBC Click tech show presenter and computer scientist Spencer Kelly.