SUCCESSFUL companies showcased their achievements at special celebration.

Halton Business Awards 2018 attracted a record number of firms big and small for the annual event held at Select Stadium on Friday.

Standards were so high, judges were faced with lots of top quality entries.

It was a double triumph for LPW Technology as they won business of the year and innovation in health and wellbeing.

The company is an additive manufacturing industry specialising in metal 3D printing. The firm develops and processes metal powders that are used to build everything from aeroplane engines to bottle openers.

Dr Phil Carroll, founder and chief executive officer of LPW Technology Ltd said: “LPW Technology is delighted to have won two of Halton's prized 2018 business awards.

“As a company we are entering an exciting growth stage and to achieve this success we rely on the commitment of our team throughout the company.

“Receiving the health and wellbeing award is a reflection of the immense value that we place on our exceptional employees.

“Similarly winning the overall award supports our plans to be a valued high skills employer in the region as we grow our advanced manufacturing operation.

“I’m extremely grateful for the support received from Halton Council and the UK government’s Advanced Manufacturing Supply Chain Initiative (AMSCI).

“This support has been realised in opening our purpose-built metal powder manufacturing facility right here in Widnes.

“To be a UK-based manufacturer helping to deliver the potential of 3D printing in applications across the world makes me incredibly proud.”

It was a hat trick for Arvia Technology as it was the third year running one of their employees has won apprentice of the year.

Liam Harris, 20, from The Heath in Runcorn, operates on his own and has demonstrated drive and enthusiasm as he accomplished assignments across the UK and abroad.

Mike Lodge, chief executive officer of Arvia Technology said: "We are thrilled for Liam to get recognition for the great work he does.

"He is a key member of the team and is doing a very important job for us. He is building, commissioning and installing our plants, making sure customers are receiving the highest quality products.

“At Arvia we have had the most fantastic experience with the apprentice programme, born out by having won this award for three years in a row.

"This programme is pivotal to the company and helping to develop our team into the future.”

Rachael Owen, chief executive Halton Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise, said: " I know the judges had a really difficult task as they were blown away by not just the number of organisations applying but by the work they undertake, the commitment they demonstrated, the level of innovation and the investment that is being made and the contribution these organisations are making to the economic development of the region, as well as the borough.– it is truly impressive and the real success story of these awards.

"This year every category was hotly contested with many organisations already award winners and in receipt of national recognition. Halton really does have a lot to be proud of.

"I’d like to congratulate all the finalists because they all demonstrate a level of excellence that deserves to be recognised. "

Finalists for the international business of the year award have already achieved high acclaim.

Tall Security are currently ranked sixth on the Sunday Times SME Export Track 100 list – Britain’s SMEs with the fastest growing international sales and Sandon Global won this year’s National Chamber of Commerce Award for Export and Perspective Engineering, a Queens Award for Export winner with offices in Singapore and headquarters at Daresbury Sci-Tech.

Ms Owen added: "Halton Chamber supports exporters through our Export Documentation Service and provides tailored business support to all organisations through the Growth Hub Halton.

"All these businesses are operating globally and choose to base themselves in Halton, just like all our other finalists.

"As well as all the businesses that have made this year’s awards such a triumph I’d also like to thank our sponsors,as we really appreciate their loyalty to these awards.

"It is because of their continued support that we have witnessed the year on year growth of the Halton Business Awards which are now so much sought after that being nominated as a finalist is a real feat and represents a true sign of excellence."

The full list of winners:

International Business of the Year – Perceptive Engineering

BID Businesses of the Year:

Halebank – Suresafe Electrics Ltd

Astmoor – Computer Disposals Ltd

Halton Foundation Award for Responsible Business – Hackback CIC

Innovation in Health & Wellbeing – LPW Technology

Outstanding Customer Service Award - Hardman Office & Commercial Cleaning Ltd

New Business of the Year – Ace Blinds

Social Enterprise of the Year – Hackback CIC

Keep it Green Award – Acer Engineering

Young Achiever/Apprentice of the Year – Liam Harris – Arvia Technology

Marketing Excellence – Used Kitchen Exchange

Made in Halton – Sandon Global Engraving Technology Ltd

Independent Retailer of the Year – Sleeptight Beds Ltd

Entrepreneur of the Year Award –

Female – Liz Ashall-Payne – ORCHA Health Ltd

Male – Lee Bradburne – Display Team

Business of the Year – LPW Technology