A commitment to its staff is paying dividends for commercial air conditioning and refrigeration business Crowther & Shaw.

Owner Mark Gledhill, who joined the Lockwood-based company in 1985 as an apprentice engineer, said providing opportunities for people to join the company and progress is key.

He said: “It was an unexpected win but a reward for all the staff who are loyal and whose longevity makes us the company we are. The place will be rocking with this win.”

He said the experience of long-standing staff mixed with new recruits and young apprentices was part of the company’s success.

The firm, which celebrates its 80th anniversary as a limited company this year, has contracts at more than 2,000 sites throughout the UK.

The company employs 17 engineers – 11 of whom joined from school. In addition, the company has three father and son combinations – and even one mother and son on the books!

Also nominated in this category sponsored by Towndoor were Portland Nurseries Ltd and Suma Wholefoods.

Relive the events of the night here.