WINNING the highest accolade at Halton Business Awards 2017 was the ‘proudest moment’ for a Runcorn entrepreneur since he launched his firm.

Almost 50 companies and more than 300 guests from across Runcorn and Widnes gathered on Friday at the Select Security Stadium for the biggest celebration of innovation, commitment and excellence in the nine year history of the event.

It was a double triumph for Computer Disposals Limited (CDL).

The IT computer recycling company won Halton Business of the Year and Astmoor Business Improvement District Business of the Year.

Owner Jean-Pierre Naylor said: “It is the single most proudest moment since we started.

“This award makes me proud of our staff who have worked very hard.

“It is absolutely fantastic.”

Mr Naylor and two partners founded the firm from their own garages at home in 1999, storing equipment in a bathroom.

CDL now employs 70 staff on Davy Road and has just bought new premises in the Midlands to expand into London.

The firm recorded 20 per cent growth last year and is confident of similar success in the coming 12 months.

“Not only have we met our objectives and targets, we have exceeded them,” said Mr Naylor.

“We hope to increase production by another third.

“Seventy per cent of everything we take we re-use and re-market, often to Pakistan or Dubai.

“We offer a free collection service for any major UK charity and we work with clients who want to donate equipment to charity.”

Paula Cain, chief executive of Halton Chamber of Commerce received a special award for Services to Business and the Chamber.

Presenting the accolade, David Parr, chief executive of Halton Council, said: “Paula has transformed the chamber from the brink of extinction to a chamber that is thriving.

“With steely determination and tenacity she persevered and it is now a great success.”

Tall Security Print, from Runcorn, which continues to thrive and expand, won the Made in Halton award.

The Manor Park firm, now in its 26th year, employs 70 people.

Group marketing manager Lynton Buxton said: “Over the past three years we have invested in both new equipment and systems to enhance production facilities.

“We are looking at new markets and services to capitalise on our good name.

“We supplied educational certificates to Nigerian institutions and ballot papers to Uganda. We are looking to develop encompass more countries.”

Full list of winners

Apprentice/Young Achiever of the Year: Stacey Hammond, Arvia Technology

Made in Halton: Tall Security Print

Astmoor Business Improvement District Award: Computer Disposals Ltd

Halebank Business Improvement District Award: Hough Green Garage

Keep It Green: Kawneer UK Ltd

Social Enterprise of the Year: Runcorn Veterans Association

International Business of the Year: Conren

Excellent Customer Service: Freight First Ltd

Innovation in Health and Wellbeing: d3t Ltd

New Business of the Year: Cheshire Bathrooms and Tiles Ltd

Marketing Excellence: Aqueous Digital

The Halton Foundation Award for Responsible Business: Anthony’s Travel

Entrepreneur of the Year: Paul Ward, Paragon PE

Services to Business and The Chamber in Halton: Paula Cain, chief executive of Halton Chamber of Commerce

Halton Business of the Year: Computer Disposals Ltd

Highly commended: Kawneer UK Ltd (Astmoor Business Improvement District Award), Melo World Ltd (Halebank Business Improvement District Award), Hardman Office and Commercial Cleaning (Excellent Customer Service), Esposito’s Deli (New Business of the Year).