THE boss of Burnley-based IT specialist Lanway is celebrating after being named North West Technology Entrepreneur of the Year.

Steve Ackers, who founded the company in 1987, was honoured for his contribution to the region's technology industry at the 10th annual awards.

He was recognised for transforming Lanway from a product-focused reseller to a highly sophisticated consultative organisation dedicated to providing complete infrastructure solutions.

Previous winners have included Matthew Riley, CEO of communications giant Daisy Group, based in Nelson, and Anthony Preston, who founded Pets at Home.

Mr Ackers said: “I’ve been in business since the age of 17 and, in terms of personal accolades, this is the most prestigious thing I’ve won during that time.

"I never expected to win the award because I was up against so many great people in the industry.

“The IT industry is very dynamic and because of the speed at which technology evolves it’s necessary we have the understanding, the capability and hunger to embrace the change.

“We have completely reengineered Lanway over the last 18 months, transforming the firm from a one-stop shop for hardware into a highly sophisticated provider of complete IT solutions.

"We have the technical capability and ability to understand what the customer is after, which means we can compete with any of the bigger city firms.

"Like technology itself, we have had to move with the times and it's that kind of challenge which keeps me hungry and sets Lanway apart.”

Lanway was founded in 1987 as an IT solutions company concentrating on retail and small businesses.

It is based on the Network 65 business park in Hapton.