Champagne corks popped as a leading Staffordshire company scooped a prestigious industry award.

James T. Blakeman and Co. Ltd was announced the winner of the Manufacturer of the Year category at the Staffordshire Chambers’ 2018 Business Awards on Thursday 5thJune.

Delighted bosses say the prize is especially memorable as it has come during Blakemans’ 65th birthday celebrations.

The honour follows hard on the heels of a similar nomination in this year’s Signal Radio "Inspiration in Business” Awards where the company was put forward for "training excellence.”

James Morris, Head of Business Development at the Newcastle-under-Lyme based firm, said:"When we were shortlisted for the award we were over the moon because we recognise how stiff the competition is. To have our name read out as the winner at such an incredible event was fantastic because we were amongst the cream of Staffordshire’s business world. It hasn’t really sunk in yet!

"It is a fantastic achievement for all of the staff at our business who work incredibly hard. It is the first time we have entered the Staffordshire Chambers’ Awards and to walk away with such a prestigious accolade – and with it being in our 65thanniversary year – is an amazing feeling.

"We are very, very proud.”

The business collected its prize at a glitzy presentation event held at the Staffordshire County Showground.

The response to Staffordshire Chambers’ 2018 Business Awards was overwhelming with hundreds of high quality entries across all categories.

Sara Williams, Staffordshire Chambers’ Chief Executive, said: "It is great to see how the entries have developed and far exceeded previous years in terms of quality. We see this as a testimony to the healthy state and award-winning potential of businesses within Staffordshire.

"I would like to thank the judges for their dedication to the task and the businesses who took the time to enter. Many congratulations to all of our winners.”

All finalists had to submit a detailed entry explaining why they felt they should be recognised in a variety of categories.

The best went forward to the next stage of the competition which was a visit by members of the judging panel.

All the winners were announced at last night’s gala event which is one of the highlights on the Staffordshire business calendar and attracts hundreds of top class entries each year.