A SKINCARE firm with just five full-time employees beat industry giants to win a national award.

Brighton company 5 Squirrels formed five years ago in a small Kemp Town office with the goal of competing against industry high flyers.

The small team has created medical products designed to fight loose, oily and acne-prone skin.

Five years later, the firm now makes customised products for doctors to provide to patients.

And at the Aesthetics medical awards in Westminster, 5 Squirrels won the “best clinic support partner” award for its work helping those with skin conditions.

“I never had any doubt with the effort, creativity and relentless need to deliver from every single person in our little team,” director Gary Conroy said.

“But it’s great to be recognised and to have won.

“Thank you to everyone who works with us, buys from us and voted for us.”

One judge said: “5 Squirrels is clearly committed to working hand in hand with their business partners.

“Their industry knowledge and passion are apparent in everything they do.”

The company’s Your Signature Range skincare products were also named some of the best in country.

A spokeswoman for the company said it had launched more than 250 skincare brands internationally.

But it is looking to go even further.

“For a start-up company to come this far in only five years is a tremendous achievement,” she said.

“Who would have thought that a small agency in Brighton was the home to a skincare company squirrelling away to compete with some of the largest names in the medical aesthetics industry.

“Our products can be used alone or in conjunction with aesthetic treatments to help treat skin conditions, and improve client’s appearance, and therefore confidence and self-esteem.”