News Story

Lightstone (formerly Pool.Net), the only web company to make it to the final, has scooped second place in the Evening Telegraph Business Awards 2005 - Small Business of the Year Category. Selected from many competitors from the region, the award and commendations were given to three businesses which had increased their profitability and potential over the latest financial year.

In their follow-up article the Evening Telegraph reported:

"Pool.Net Ltd (Lightstone) was started by Andrew Ayres and Chris Duffill seven years ago. This successful firm lists Alliance & Leicester plc among its impressive client list, having created a business critical ecommerce software system for the high street name... The size and age of such an enterprise was considered against the financial performance. The judges were also interested in innovative products, services or processes, and expansion into new markets and areas of business activity."

Technical Director Andrew Ayres said:

"We feel very fortunate to have our hard work recognised, and we now hope to grow on our good start and maintain our excellent client relationships."