The finale to the Daily Echo Hampshire Business Awards approaches and this week we take a look at the three finalists bidding to win the Bond Pearce Innovation Award. Last year Isle of Wight-based SP Systems was the winner of this prestigious award - the contenders for 2003 are City Technology, Industrial Acoustics Company (IAC) and Scott Wilson.

CITY Technology, based in Portsmouth, is a leading worldwide supplier of portable gas sensor technology, mainly for the industrial safety market.

Founded 25 years ago at City University in London by four chemists, the company floated on the Stock Exchange in 1996 before being acquired by First Technology plc in 2000.

Now employing approximately 300 people, all based at its Portsmouth headquarters, and with a turnover of £24m, the company expects to increase its size by more than 50 per cent within the next five years thanks to its groundbreaking research in the miniaturisation of sensors.

The sensors identify increased levels of carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide combustible gases and a drop in oxygen levels, making them ideal for anyone working in confined spaces where there is a risk of gas emissions such as miners, utilities operators and firefighters. The sensors can provide an immediate audible and visual alert if gases are detected or there is a fall in oxygen levels.

Key to success has been the company's ability to reduce dramatically the size of sensors, allowing manufacturers to develop smaller products and incorporate them into items such as hard hats, clothing, headphones and safety glasses.

This month sees the launch of the groundbreaking MICROpeL sensor, which is 75 per cent smaller, 92 per cent lighter and five times faster than its predecessors. The MICROpeL is the first sensor to be launched from the micro-sized MICROceL range.

The Hampshire Business Awards judges have been particularly impressed by City Technology's commitment to research and development, driven by its in-house R&D team consisting of 40 scientists and engineers.

Bond Pearce partner David D'Arcy Hughes said: "City Technology is a very impressive operation with a committed management team that understands its products and markets well.

"Its products have a wide range of commercial applications and we have been particularly impressed by the close working relationship it has with its customers in developing bespoke solutions for their gas detection needs."