Saltaire-based set-top box maker Pace is looking to broaden its international customer base through new developments announced at an industry trade show.

The move coincided with boss Neil Gaydon being named Yorkshire Director Of The Year – one of two Bradford business chiefs be honoured by the Institute of Directors Former Bradford Chamber of Commerce president Balbir Panesar, who is this week in China seeking new business opportunities, was given a special achievement award.

Pace is installing new content security technology into its boxes that will allow it to work with a wider range of operators across emerging markets in Eastern Europe, Asia, Russia and Latin America.

Shane McCarthy, group account director, said: “Pace understands the needs of its operator customers and relishes the opportunity to raise the quality and diversity of digital TV services in a broader number of regions.”

Pace, is also rolling out a new generation of ‘low environmental impact’ set-top boxes..

Over the last three years, total power consumption in Pace’s high definition personal video recorders has been reduced by more than 70 per cent.

Pace said it would continue to drive down power consumption, enabling customers to exceed any energy saving initiative anywhere in the world.

Pace president Richard Slee said: “Our goal is to be the world-leader in ‘low environmental impact’ set-top boxes. As a result we believe our products are amongst the most energy efficient consumer electronics products in the world.

“Pace has consistently gone beyond the standards, always meeting legislative targets in advance of industry deadlines, giving our customers complete confidence that their products are not just at the leading edge of digital TV technology, but also leading in environmental performance.”

A company spokesman said Pace was “delighted” with Neil Gaydon’s success in the IoD awards. He has been chief executive since 2006 and has worked for Pace since 1995.

Balbir Panesar, managing director of PEC Building Services, was recognised by the IoD judges for his achievements since starting the Bradford-based business in 1977.