HI-TECH firms in Swindon are being invited to have their business plans reviewed in a pioneering Government initiative which aims to boost company performance through technological development.

And one local company which has just benefited from the scheme is Junction 17, owned by former England rugby international John Hall.

His software distribution firm is the first of its size to have undergone the 'technology opportunity study' by the Defence Diversification Agency (DDA) an arm of the Ministry of Defence which marries the technology needs of UK industry with research currently being carried out within UK defence.

The DDA study, which analyses a company's business plan and produces a report designed to guide firms on how best to achieve targets, was commissioned by Swindon Council in partnership with Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire.

Mr Hall, whose Corsham firm employs four full-time staff, specialises in the provision of digital video analysis a system that records action such as sporting events and allows the detail of the activity to be monitored.

According to Mr Hall, the DDA Technology Opportunity Study opened up the possibility of developing the software further to improve efficiency, speed and accuracy.

Mr Hall said: "It's sometimes difficult for a small company to see how to access this level of technology.

"We're delighted with the DDA's recommendations. They open up new opportunities for substantial growth for us."

Kevin Hermanson of Business Link Berkshire and Wiltshire, which co-commissioned the study, said: "The region has a wide variety of hi-tech industries, many of which would benefit from taking part in a technology review of this type.

"The study is an investment that gives local companies a real competitive advantage."

Isobel Cockram, the DDA's Technology Diversification manager for the South West, said: "Many companies either don't realise defence technology is accessible to them or wouldn't consider that their technology needs could be addressed by defence-based experts.

"We're active in the South West to try to ensure that local businesses can benefit from the UK's investment in developing such world-class knowledge and expertise."

For further information on the DDA's Technology Opportunity Study, call (01752) 764271 or visit www.dda.gov.uk.