A NORTH Yorkshire computer systems company has been shortlisted out of more than 700 companies to go into the last 16 in the Framlington Innovative Growth Awards (FIGIT).

Cyberes, based in Harrogate was selected for its development of an Internet enabled airline travel booking system for use by independent travel agents. Its customers save time and money and also benefit from negotiated fare agreements with a large number of airlines.

The awards, co-sponsored by Framlington investment Fund Managements, the Framlington Innovative Growth Investment Trust and Incisive Media, have been set up to highlight the innovation of smaller quoted businesses.

Craig Walton, Framlington marketing director, congratulated Cyberes and said: "People tend to link innovation with large organisations, large research budgets and product innovation.

"We set up this award with a view to drawing attention to the achievements of smaller companies, other areas of innovation and the attractions of investing in these businesses.

"Framlington has specialist fund managers focusing on the small company sector where the potential for above-average investment gains is greater than investing in the larger and well-researched companies."

Winner of the semi-final will be revealed on Wednesday, May 8, when Small Business Minister Nigel Griffiths and Phillippa Forrester, former BBC Tomorrow's World presenter, attend a celebratory lunch hosted by Sir Hugh Sykes, chairman of FIGIT.

Updated: 10:06 Tuesday, April 23, 2002