FreeAgent Central, one of Scotland’s most promising small businesses, took home gold last night at the Sift Media Software Satisfaction awards.

The company, which produces online accounting software for freelancers and small enterprises, came first in the Best Newcomer category.

A panel of five industry experts judged the winner of the Best Newcomer award. More than 8000 software users were also surveyed to decide the awards shortlists, on the basis of usability, reliability and value for money. The winners were announced at a glamorous bash at the Royal Courts of Justice in London.

Ed Molyneux, FreeAgent Central CEO said the company was delighted with the award.

He said: “We’ve put a lot of work into making the product simple for our users so it’s encouraging to get such a big thumbs-up.

“We’ve always aimed to make life easier for freelancers and small business owners by taking the hassle out of accounting. Unlike offline software packages, FreeAgent Central gives users a clear picture of their finances.”

FreeAgent Central were also shortlisted in the Best Web-Hosted Accounting category.

Sift Media is a leading business-to-business publisher specialising in online, interactive professional communities.