South West Communications Group has scooped the Business Contribution to Sport Award in the inaugural Express & Echo Sports Awards.

The Exeter-based expert in business telephone systems, data centre services and data networks made the final list on the basis of an entry submitted to the newspaper in December last year.

South West Communications Group was announced as the winner at a ceremony held at Sandy Park attended by 220 guests.

Harry Langley, South West Communication Group’s managing director, said: “It was an honour to win this award and it is additional confirmation of why sports sponsorship is worthwhile. However, as a business, such accolades are not the reason you decide to lend your support – the satisfaction comes from seeing these teams flourish and enjoying success as well as our business benefitting from the added exposure we receive.

South West Communications Group’s was recognised for its long-term support of rugby’s first ever South West Premiership side, Exeter Chiefs, as well as its sponsorship of a range other local sports teams including Budleigh Salterton Cricket Club, Withycombe RFC and the 1st XVs of both Bicton College and the University of Exeter.

Mr Langley added: “South West Communications Group has seen its branding become a recognisable feature of the national and global rugby public following all the media attention Exeter Chiefs have received since winning promotion into the Aviva Premiership in 2010. Increased attendance figures, programme sales, website hits, kit sales, corporate hospitality numbers and social media followers in the past few years has strengthened our brand awareness and introduced our business to a wider audience.”

Exeter Chiefs also fared well in the awards winning Team of the Year and head coach Rob Baxter winning Sports Personality of the Year.