Highlight of the awards is undoubtedly the Business of the Year Award, sponsored by MBDA.

Assembly Solutions Ltd were the deserved winner.

The firm uses ‘automatic high-speed machinery’ to produce wire and cable preparation in ‘seconds’.

Managing director, Gareth Balshaw, said: "The stars have aligned for us here, we've grown in staff numbers, sales and our sector in the market.

"I'm a bit speechless really."

The company added: “Our team of 90 employees are our greatest asset and always take priority.

“As a company we pride ourselves on having a very strong culture that is backed by providing a safe and friendly working environment, which we manage through our IMS (Integrated Management System).

“Two years ago we successfully recruited a full-time Health & Safety Manager and since he joined, we have seen a huge transformation in the commitment to our employees and measure this by our employee survey to understand how they feel amongst all things; health & safety, their training, career progression, how we care for their wellbeing etc.

“As a family-run business, we are immensely passionate about having strong and supportive relationships with our colleagues, to provide a productive and happy workforce.”

Other nominations for the category were, Bolton Kia, Edu-lettings, and Irish freight solutions.