An Andover-based defence company has won an award for its efforts to improve diversity.

Scientific Management International (SMI) was the only small to medium enterprise (SME) shortlisted for the Most Improved Charter Signatory Award at the Annual Women in Defence UK Awards.

The company, which has its headquarters in Andover, was up against defence giants BAE Systems and Serco.

The award is given to the company that has gone above and beyond to ensure a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

READ MORE: New cashless banking service opens in Andover following bank closure

Scientific Management International was the only small to medium enterprise shortlisted for the award (Image: SMI) Admiral Sir Ben Key KCB CBE ADC, First Sea Lord, said: "The judges felt that this finalist has shown a dramatic shift over the last three years in terms of gender ratio, reduction in the gender pay gap, extremely strong employee engagement scores and a strong move towards flexible working."

Jenny Shaw, CEO at SMI, said: "Winning this category is super important to us at SMI – we’re not a massive company so the opportunities for diversity and inclusion initiatives can be limited, but we’re incredibly proud to have been recognised for our ambition here.

"Being shortlisted alongside other organisations that we really respect – BAE Systems and Serco – was daunting, but we’re really proud to have been counted amongst them.

"We’re like to extend our congratulations to them, too.

"We’re all doing important work here, and long may it continue to make our industry better in the future."

SEE MORE: Free pop-up Christmas cinema is coming to Andover

Catherine Jennings, people and culture director at SMI, added: "We’re really incredibly happy to have committed to this initiative and to have set a high bar for ourselves.

"It’s really a testament to the commitment of the entire team too.

"We are already a very diverse company and team at all levels so to have this recognition of the work towards equality is fantastic.

"We have achieved a great deal but our commitment to being Employer of Choice for all our colleagues will continue to drive us."

SMI has international offices in the US, Australia and Canada, and has supplied the Royal Navy with submarine cabling for more than 30 years.

The company is also a member of the Armed Forces Covenant, a commitment to hiring veterans of the UK’s Armed Forces.

SMI is the first SME to have won this category at the Women in Defence UK Awards.