A SOUTHAMPTON taxi firm has won a prestigious award in an event celebrating the private hire industry.

Radio Taxis scooped the Gold QSi Award for the Private Hire Company of the Year in the 81+ vehicles category.

Radio Taxis CEO Simon May said:

"I am extremely pleased with the outcome at the awards, the drivers and staff have done an amazing job over the past year and this is a massive achievement by all of them.

We have all worked extremely hard as a team over the last year to progress the business and winning award like this shows the long hours and dedication has been worth while.

Well done to all our team."

Gold, Silver and Bronze awards were presented in 10 categories at the event at the Effingham Park Hotel, near Gatwick Airport.

This allows for all operators regardless of size to get involved with the awards.

Mark Bursa from Professional Driver Magazine said:

"Radio Taxis combines a real focus on local service with a passion for innovation, paying specific attention to the needs of all its customers, from students to corporate clients – and its drivers.

Initiatives include a customer reward scheme, free Christmas travel for emergency services staff, a students’ get home safe scheme and even a website to help any operator in the UK source products and consumables.

It’s truly an outstanding Gold winner."

The QSi Awards were launched in 2013 as the first and only national awards for the industry.