HAWK Electronics came back from the brink of a big business takeover with a ‘Big Bang’ to bag the Technology award.

The Accrington firm, which develops electronic circuits, was saved from a buyout in 2000 when managing director Alicja Kay took control of the business.

It has since hit the headlines for its role in helping scientists further their knowledge about the beginning of the universe.

Its circuit boards and cables form part of the Large Hadron Collider – the international research project based in Geneva, Switzerland, that is investigating the creation of the Earth.

Mrs Kay came to the company after moving from Poland and then working for the government.

She said: “I couldn’t stand the slow progress so I left to go into business on my own. I embraced it with both hands. The change was tremendous and I was driven by fear.

“All my personal finance was on the line. It was hard work but I finally felt I had arrived and I started to see a change.”

She added: “The Geneva project was so massive. It was a global project and that is what probably attracted the judges but we are still involved in so many other projects.”

Judges were impressed by Hawk Electronics’ unique high-technological growth.

Mrs Kay said: “Our main drive is to improve our level of technical operation so we can keep at the cutting edge. Our skilled workers are our strength.

“We invest a lot in training so we run like a Swiss clock. The key to moving forward now is investment, investment, investment.”

This will include investment in technology so that the company can compete even more strongly when it comes to securing contracts in the field of advanced systems and technology.

Collecting her award, Mrs Kay said: “The Lancashire Telegraph hosting an event like this brings attention to the region.

"The North West has a lot to offer. It is a beautiful part of the UK.

"Forget London, give me Lancashire any day.”