The founder of an Exmouth company has been named CEO of the Year at an awards ceremony.

Simon Poole, of Splash Projects, was announced as the winner in the South West Business of the Year Awards run by the Business Desk.

The company was also finalists in the Community Impact Award.

The awards celebrate the successes of the most "innovative, disrupting, thriving" companies.

Simon Poole, of Splash Projects, was announced as CEO of the Year (Image: Business Desk) A total of 142 businesses entered across all categories, with only six CEOs shortlisted for the top honour.

Mr Poole, who has dedicated two decades to building Splash Projects, was recognised for his relentless dedication and the unique model of the company.

Splash Projects is the only business of its kind that offers impactful team and leadership programmes through community impact projects globally.

Mr Poole said: "I see this as a team award recognising everyone’s hard work at Splash.

"We’re so grateful to the judges for seeing how our incredible team go above and beyond to make an impact."

The company's model, which facilitates Corporate Social Responsibility and bridges the gap between the business and business school worlds and their communities, has involved 65,000 participants across 34 countries.

Through the efforts of its business partners, 550 charities and not-for-profit organisations have received much-needed infrastructure and equipment which they never would have been able to afford themselves.

Business professionals and Master's students from business schools have benefited from experiential learning, experiencing real-world problem solving, effective teamwork, leadership and communication.

This has helped boost performance and productivity in their respective offices or classrooms.

The awards ceremony took place on Thursday, November 14 at the Harbour Hotel in Bristol.