A UNIQUE Bewdley firm is making a big noise at famous sporting venues across Britain as it goes into battle against big city rivals.

Perpetual Software Utilities, which develops custom software solutions for large stadiums and exhibition centres, is looking to expand into the airport and rail industry.

Its equipment has already proved a major success at key sporting venues and at police training centres and control rooms said owner Paul Usowicz.

The company's equipment is used to control the public address paging system and voice evacuation alarms via large touch screens which display a topographical layout of the arena.

At present it is the only British firm to offer the specialised work but Mr Usowicz believes the impending intervention of larger companies makes it essential for PSU to enter new markets.

He said: "Our clients include Croke Park in Dublin, Ibrox stadium in Glasgow and Olympia and Earls Court, and we used to work at Wembley as well.

"We are doing extremely well but we need to push on and are currently in talks with the bosses of the Midland Metro line and a large airport about securing contracts with them."

Mr Usowicz, who has run the business with his wife Tracy since April 1996, added: "Part of our contract states that I must be in attendance for a certain number of matches and exhibitions, and not many people know someone who gets paid to watch international football matches between England and Germany.

"However, the sad thing is I don't actually like football!"

PSU has its roots firmly attached in Wyre Forest as its equipment is installed by Hartlebury firm M & D Design which fits speakers and sets up sites.