Hi-tech giants Spirent back Torbay Business Awards

Pioneering hi-tech firm Spirent obviously believe in putting something back into the awards that brought them double glory.

Paignton-based Spirent, now part of the Keysight family, are new category sponsors in this year’s Torbay Weekly Naturally Inspiring Business Awards.

Just a couple of years ago the Spirent team were called up on to the stage of the Riviera International Conference Centre not once but twice to receive winner’s trophies.

They took home both the Overall Business of the Year and the Innovation awards. 

Now for the year 2026 they are actually sponsoring the Innovation category themselves.

With more than 100 employees based in Paignton, many of whom are specialist engineers, Spirent has spent almost 40 pioneering solutions for some of the world’s biggest problems. 

One of the core activities involves the development of GPS simulation technology. By simulating a wide range of real-world conditions, Spirent's solutions help companies rigorously test the performance and reliability of their navigation systems.

Spirent serves hundreds of high-profile customers across the world – including companies in the automotive, aerospace, defence, and consumer electronics sectors. 

A spokesman said: “Spirent has been part of the Torbay business landscape for decades, and that is set to continue as we move into the Keysight family. 

“While the company today is recognised globally for its leadership in global navigation satellite system and positioning, navigation, and timing testing, that success is built on more than 40 years of innovation, much of which has been rooted right here in Torbay. 

“Over that time, the business has evolved under different names and structures, but our presence in the region – and our commitment to it – has remained constant.

“Torbay continues to play a critical role in our work. It provides access to a strong and growing talent base, supported by local education and skills development initiatives. 

“Just as importantly, it demonstrates that high-value, globally relevant technology development does not need to be confined to major urban centres. 

“The region has proven itself as a capable and competitive technology hub, and that is something worth recognising and reinforcing.

“That is exactly why we are proud to support the Torbay Business Awards. These awards shine a light on the breadth and quality of businesses operating in the area – from established organisations to emerging companies pushing new ideas forward. Recognition matters. 

“It not only celebrates success, but also sets a benchmark that encourages others to raise their game.

“Beyond accolades, the awards play an important role in strengthening the local business community. 

“They bring organisations together, create opportunities for collaboration, and help build a shared sense of ambition for the region. That kind of environment is essential for sustained growth, innovation, and resilience.

“For Spirent, sponsoring the Torbay Business Awards is a natural extension of our long-standing relationship with the area. 

“We have benefited from being part of this community, and we see real value in supporting an initiative that promotes excellence, encourages investment in people and skills, and highlights Torbay as a place where businesses can succeed and grow.”

Torbay Weekly editor Jim Parker said: “A big welcome to Spirent as one of our new partners and a huge thank you to them for their support.

“They have been leading the hi-tech sector and putting the Bay on the map for many, many years. 

“It was great to see them finally being recognised for all their pioneering work a couple of years ago when they were named Business of the Year and it's fabulous to see them back albeit on the other side of the fence picking a winner in the same Innovation category they won.”

He added: “Entries are now open for this year’s awards. You can either apply yourself or nominate somebody else and the team here at the Torbay Weekly will help with the entry form.”

The details of how to enter are here. So, too, are how you can buy tickets for the gala finals night at the RICC on Friday June 5. You can access all the details via the QR code or website link.

 Torbay Business Awards 2026

Categories and sponsors for this year are as follows:

Inspiring Employer of the Year Award — South Devon College (University Centre South Devon)

Best New Business Award — Newton Abbot Racecourse

Business Community Champion Award — Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez

Small Business of the Year — Torbay Business Forum

Rising Star Award — Princess Theatre

Greener Futures Award — Wollens Solicitors

James Wright Award for Inspirational Leader — Majestic Holidays

Innovation Award — Spirent

Best Marketing Initiative — Sally Allen-Gerard, Marketing and PR Business Consultant 

Best English Riviera Tourism and Hospitality Experience Award — English Riviera BID Company

Best Food and Drink Award — Pier Point Torquay

Unsung Hero Award — Stagecoach

Outstanding Apprentice of the Year — Inter-Line

Sport Award — Torquay United

Overall Winner — sponsored by Torbay Council — not open for nominations

Lifetime Award for Community chosen and presented by Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker and not open for nominations

Lifetime Award for Contribution to Business chosen and presented by Torbay Weekly Editor Jim Parker and not open for nominations