AN accredited online risk assessment system that boosts safety but cuts form-filling and insurance premiums has won a regional award.

Poole-based Asset Skills is celebrating after its Asset Secure software was named one of the best business ideas in the South West.

It was the Dorset winner in the Echo-backed BIG Idea Business competition organised by Business Incubation South West.

Asset Secure - which is being launched next month - enables firms to go online and complete health and safety risk assessments cheaply, quickly and conveniently - eliminating red tape and cutting insurance premiums.

It has won a business services package worth thousands of pounds to support its growth.

Asset Skills marketing and communications director Graham Sibley said: "This is a very exciting time for the company, and this award is recognition for the hard work of those involved in the business."

Judges assessed each business idea and identified key business attributes, including customer proposition, market potential and future vision.

Business Incubation South West manager Ed Preedy said: "The company demonstrated high growth potential on the basis of fundamental strengths such as management experience, market potential and a sound customer value proposition.

"Small businesses are the lifeblood of the regional economy, and we wish Asset Skills every success in its future."

The BIG Idea competition is part of BISW's Think BIG! campaign to help entrepreneurs gain access to business incubator facilities, science parks and centres of excellence.

First published: December 14, 2005