A CONSTANT search for new ideas is the secret behind the success of the Technology Award winner.

Cobham Defence Communications Ltd (CDC) has enjoyed significant growth following the decision by BAE Systems to sell the business five years ago.

The company has moved with the times to remain progressive and successful amid the rapid change of technology, which is why judges considered it stood out as the winner.

The company started life as part of Blackburn's Royal Ordnance Factory in the late 1930s, producing mechanical fusing mechanisms for the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

In the 1950s the firm's electronics design and manufacturing capability was developed to meet the MOD's growing requirement for electronic communication devices.

BAE acquired Royal Ordnance from the MOD in 1989 before selling the business to Cobham plc in 2002.

CDC, a subsidiary of Cobham plc, is now based in Haslingden Road, Blackburn, and designs and manufactures communication and information products used by armed forces across the globe.

Since the sale, business has rocketed and in the past three years turnover has more than trebled to over £62million, and a further 90 staff have been employed.

The growth is partly due to the firm's digital intercommunications system AN/VIC and Battle Hawk, a battle management system which allows commanders to see the whole battlefield on an electronic map.

CDC's most modern communication system AN/VIC-3 has been installed in most of the US Army's heavy, medium and small armoured vehicles and is increasingly being used in trucks.

Other countries to have bought the equipment include Australia, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

Battle Hawk can be used for ground, sea or air attacks and recently completed trials with the MOD and has been sold to the New Zealand Navy.

Cobham managing director Steve Collier said the firm was not alone in terms of innovation in East Lancashire.

He said: "I'm absolutely delighted to win the award, which is a reflection of how the firm has grown over the last couple of years.

"It's very much the result of a team effort. We work together to always be looking out for innovation, ideas and technology.

"But there are plenty of other examples of technological innovation in East Lancashire which are often not recognised, but it really is a growing sector."

For Cobham Defence Communications, the future lies in continued development and new technology, and "maintaining our position as a world leader in the market".