A FIRM which has developed an audio-visual rental service to the hospitality industry has scooped a national prize.

HotAV fought off tough opposition from more than 600 businesses to take the top prize of £20,000 in HSBC's search for the UK's top entrepreneurs. The HSBC Start-Up Stars Awards, supported by the DTI and CBI, recognise businesses less than two years old.

Its managing director, Dave Savage, was presented with the cheque and trophy in at London's Savoy Hotel earlier this month.

Dave, 40, and partner Steven Worrell, realised they would have to come up with a groundbreaking idea if their business was to survive and thrive.

The project they devised was simple - they would supply equipment, such as projectors, to hotels who used them for their own clients' business needs, and leave it on site charging only for the time it was used.

Dave, Steven and silent partner Roger Kendrick, set up HotAV in August 2002 to develop the new venture.

The company in Lincoln Road, High Wycombe, now has a staff of eight, and supplies AV equipment to more than 200 sites around the UK.

John Rendall, head of business banking at HSBC said: "HotAV is an outstanding example of what can be achieved when a unique business idea is identified and then implemented and brought to the marketplace with ambition, determination and sound management skills."