Extreme Low Energy Ltd (www.http://extremelowenergy.com/) — based in Formby, near Liverpool — has been hailed as “an inspiration to other businesses” by Business Minister Matthew Hancock after winning the national Most Innovative Small Business category in the Great Faces of British Business competition.

The company, which makes low-energy and low-carbon IT infrastructure, offers a range of innovative solutions that allow customers to operate partially or fully off the National Grid.

It works with schools, colleges and universities in the UK and expects to sign its first contract in Africa in the next month.

Mr Hancock said: “Extreme Low Energy is an inspiration to other businesses across the country looking to innovate, and it is living proof that there has never been a better time to start and grow a business in the UK.”

Mark Buchanan, director of Extreme Low Energy, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been crowned a national winner of the Great Faces of British Business competition. Winning this award truly sets us apart from the competition in our field, and we hope we will inspire other small businesses everywhere.”