ON Hold Services, which makes programmes of music and messages for company telephones, retail outlets and websites, has won the Small business of the Year Award for Basingstoke.

"How a business sounds over the phone, in a shop, or on a website gives a first impression," explained managing director Jonathan Grant.

"Managers often overlook how important that first impression is. We have found a gap in the market because people are no longer prepared to put up with bleeps, silences or Greensleeves at the end of a telephone line.''

The award was won for innovation and customer service. The positive atmosphere at the offices, set in idyllic countryside at Laverstoke Grange, was praised, with the quality of the staff.

On Hold Services has a turnover of £750,000.

Staff at the presentation ceremony, left to right, were Louise Bone, James Swinhoe, Estelle Plows, Monique Salter, Simon Edmonds, Jonathan Grant (MD), Callum Baird, Tina Turner, and Matt Hatchard.