Winning an award in a year which has seen a lot of changes is particularly sweet for engineering company, Severn Unival.

“We’re extremely pleased. It means quite a lot especially for the staff who have worked very hard,” said Natalie Clarke, group marketing co-ordinator.

“Even in the current climate, we’ve managed to grow year on year so we are very pleased,” she said.

Based in Brighouse, the company supplies specialist valves to the oil and gas sectors overseas.

Severn Unival, which employs 130 people, operates from its new £2.5m premises at Brighouse, but derives 35% of its income from international trade.

Export income increased by 28% between 2011 and 2012 and is forecast to rise by another 11% to hit £8m this year. The company has seen a corresponding 11% rise in the size of its workforce since 2011.

During the past 12 months, the firm completed a move to its new 60,000sq ft premises at Birds Royd Lane – an investment which means Severn Unival now has world-class facilities to complement its world-class products.

The North Sea remains a key market for Severn Unival, but activity in the Middle and Far East is becoming increasingly important.

Also nominated in this category, sponsored by HSBC, were The Engine Room Design Co Ltd and Manrochem Ltd