The five-man company behind a self-destructing syringe which could save 500,000 lives a year will join some of the biggest companies in Britain at the National Business Awards 2004. Star Syringe, based in Forest Row, near Crowborough, will receive a Highly Commended certificate at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Park Lane, London. The company, founded by Marc Koska in 2001, to licence his invention, the K1 syringe, narrowly missed out on being shortlisted for The Business Innovation Of The Year award. But judges were so impressed by the firm's invention, which can only be used once and helps prevent the spread of HIV, they decided to honour the company with highly commended status. Kirsteen Hodgson, of Star Syringe, said: "When I realised we were up against some really big names I thought I had been a little ambitious with our nomination. "So it was great to be highly commended. Hopefully next year we will be one of the finalists." Representatives from the company will attend the awards ceremony, sponsored by telecoms company Orange, in November.

Monday September 06, 2004