A LEADING kitchen distributor and work surface manufacturer has scooped two awards in two weeks.

At the North East Business Awards, Newton Aycliffe-based PWS received the manufacturing award for the Durham, South Tyneside and Sunderland region.

It faced strong competition, including from Siemens, and the judging was stringent. Once shortlisted, three judges visited all finalists, and spent an afternoon in PWS’ Worksurfaces factory and Design Centre, to fully appreciate and endorse the application.

The company now goes through to the North East Area Awards at the end of April.

Jeremy Redshaw, head of manufacturing, said: "We were shortlisted against some much larger companies and this achievement is testament to the great team we have within the business. The entry focused on investment, innovation and development. We hit the mark on all three counts."

The company’s second accolade was Company Of The Year, at the recent Make Your Mark Awards. With more than 250 companies operating from Aycliffe Business Park, the award recognised the impact and contribution PWS makes to the local Durham economy.

John Lennon, managing director, was delighted. He said: "It is a great honour to be recognized for our manufacturing expertise, contribution to the local economy, and our commitment to investment, not forgetting the wonderful support of our staff who helped to raise a record-breaking £314,000 for Phoenix House, the Help For Heroes Recovery Centre at Catterick Garrison."

Kerina Clark, managing director of Aycliffe’s Excel Centre and organiser of the Make Your Mark Awards, said: "Known and respected throughout the area, PWS’ commitment and contribution to the local economy is highly valued. Alongside the continued growth of the business, PWS pride themselves on being good corporate citizens, engaging with the local community."