Test Valley Businesses Shine at The Lights

Cobra Hydro scooped the Business Innovation and Technology Award sponsored by Southampton Science Park at the 2025 Test Valley Business Awards.

Cobra Hydro’s technology and commitment to ongoing innovation is having a demonstrable impact on the environment and in the industries it serves. The Romsey based engineering business specialises in environmental control systems, helping customers to manage water, energy, and environmental resources more effectively. The company’s Clint Jackson said: “We deal with all the unpleasant things that nobody wants to talk about such as the fat and grease that gets washed down the sink and into the waterways. We are very pleased to be here, and happy to be part of these amazing awards.”

A gold sponsor of the Test Valley Business Awards for many years, Southampton Science Park congratulates the outstanding teams at Cobra Hydro and also all those at fellow finalists for the Business Innovation and Technology Award, Downamics and Nexgen Heating.

This award was one of eight that was presented at a gala dinner held at The Lights in Andover on 15^th September. There, guest speaker Jordan Wylie MBE, a locally based adventurer, spoke about his plans for an audacious, world-first expedition to Antarctica and reminded the audience of the importance of having an 'adventure mindset' if you are to be successful in business. He said: "I believe with all my heart that when good people come together for a good cause, we can do great things. That's not just true in adventure - it's true in business."

A previous Test Valley Business Award winner and Southampton Science Park based company, Absolar, also presented at the event. The company’s Nic Cory revealed how Absolar’s award win had had helped the business to grow to the point where it was now able to sponsor an award category itself. Absolar took up residence at the Science Park after participating in the Catalyst business accelerator programme and the business continues to scale.

Lucinda Lamont, Science Park Business Development Director, commented, “Another great night was had by all, celebrating the small businesses that make a big impact across the Test Valley region and beyond. We know from the business support work that we do at the Park just how hard it is to run a small business, so we warmly congratulate everyone who takes the plunge and establishes a business. It may not always be an easy journey but, as tonight has demonstrated, it can be well worth it!” 

Southampton Science Park thanks the organisers of the 2025 Test Valley Business Awards who worked hard to make it a success once more.