CHEERS of delight greeted the announcement of this year’s winners at Halton Business Awards 2016.

Judges said they were overwhelmed by the record number of top class entries.

Almost 300 guests gathered at the Holiday Inn on Friday to celebrate innovation, commitment and excellence.

It was a double triumph for Widnes firm Melo World, the only company in the UK to create bespoke graphic designs to streamline warehouse operations.

The Foundry Lane firm won Halton business of the year and Bid business of the year.

Director Phil Hudzik said: “We were gobsmacked and humbled. We didn’t expect this.

“This award will open doors and give us exposure and recognition.

“It is a team effort based on hard work.

“We have created a niche. The secret is giving 100 per cent to customer service.”

The firm, founded in 2012, is set to expand after being named as Landrover’s preferred supplier.

“We envisage doubling our size by this time next year,” added Mr Hudzik.

“We never imagined such a fantastic growth.”

The Heath School in Runcorn won innovation in health and wellbeing for a pioneering project for teachers.

Head teacher Jamie Jardine said: “We are absolutely thrilled.

“We offer weekly massages to staff, mindfulness sessions, pilates and yoga.

“Teaching is a difficult profession. There are times when pressures are high. This is about making sure staff are able to cope.

“Attendance has improved and the school is a lovely place to work.”

Entrepreneur Laura Green won social enterprise of the year.

The 29-year-old has Down’s Syndrome and set up her own fashion accessory company, Serendipity and opened a shop in Runcorn Shopping Centre.

Her personal assistant Keily Hampson said: “Laura was absolutely delighted and is still buzzing with excitement.

“She employs 12 young people with additional needs to build their confidence.

“She has done amazingly well.”

Mark Rushworth, 24, an apprentice process technician at Arvia Technology on The Heath Business Park won apprentice of the year.

Product development manager Dr Shams Usmani said: “Mark has a very bright future in an engineering leadership role.

“His abilities, diligence and maturity as a professional have been appreciated.”

Other winners are Paragon PE Ltd Made in Halton, Icon Fashion House retailer of the year, Computer Disposals Ltd keep in green, Tall Security Print Ltd international business award, Sigmatex excellent customer service, Display Team (UK) Ltd new business of the year, Anthony’s Travel marketing excellence, Mark Swift Wellbeing Enterprises entrepreneur of the year, Kawneer UK Ltd Halton foundation award for responsible business.

The following three companies were highly commended.

Yokogawa UK Limited (onnovation in health and wellbeing), Hardman Office & Commercial Cleaning Limited (excellent customer service) and KC Marketing Range (new business of the year).