A RICHMOND company is celebrating after winning the Internet and ICT Award for the Teesside region at the North-East Business Awards.

Purple Creative Studio, based at the Aske Stables, was recognised for its innovative use of technology at the ceremony held at Teesside University.

Formed in 2009, the web, creative, consultancy and cloud business saw a 42 per cent growth in turnover last year and is forecast a further 50 per cent increase in 2014.

Growth has been driven by client wins across the UK, notably in the e-commerce and education sectors. The company now employs six staff and has launched an Australian branch.

Phil Upton, managing director, said: “This has been a terrific year for Purple Creative Studio and we’re over the moon to have been recognised among so much regional talent.

“We now launch a new website every week or so and we’re lucky to be working with some great organisations locally and nationally, so the award really is the cherry on top of the cake for us.”

The Internet and ICT award recognises companies that have used web technology to enhance their business. The judges were looking for excellent website design, in terms of visual appearance, navigability and interactivity and the innovative use of internet technology to improve business performance.

Purple Creative will now go through to the final of the North-East Business Awards, which will be held on Thursday, May 1, at Hardwick Hall, Sedgefield.