Judges of the Large Business award said Sheppee International demonstrated impressive growth in tough economic conditions.

Particularly impressive to the judges was the continuous investment in research and development and new systems to deliver significant productivity improvements for Sheppee’s customers.

In addition, the commitment to Investors in People, apprenticeships, employment growth and engagement made Sheppee, in the eyes of the judges, a very worthy winner.

With managing director Jon Wilson at the helm, Sheppee has continue to grow in recent years to achieve record levels of turnover.

Speaking after winning the Business of the Year title, Mr Wilson paid tribute to his staff who have stayed with the business “through thick and thin”.

He said: “We just took each award as they came along tonight, and it was the icing on the cake to win the overall award.

“All tonight’s awards are a result of all the hard work over the years from the staff at Sheppee.

“Through the recession we were barely breaking even month on month and that lasted for around 18 months. Cuts had to be made in terms of pay and hours, and staff stood by us.

“Now we have been able to recompense them for their commitment.

“Subsequently we have taken on more staff and expanded into Asia.

We have made the business more robust and more sustainable.

“Prior to the recession we were largely dependent on the European market, but that disappeared and we had to go out wider.

“Then when things picked up in Europe and the manufacturers got back on track we moved back in to where we had been operating before.”

Mr Wilson said regular communication with existing and potential customers is fundamental to gaining confidence and entering new markets.

Sheppee boasts a sales database which is regularly updated to ensure all information is recorded, assisting in understanding new markets.

The setting up of an Asian representative office has provided same-time zone support and cultural understanding of the requirements within the China market.

The China office has also allowed Sheppee to represent other companies within the same industry, selling their products, acting as an agent and taking a commission.

Established in 1993, Sheppee was named as one of 116 exporting companies to win a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in recognition of international trade, with bosses invited to meet the Queen for a reception at Buckingham Palace earlier this year.

Speaking about the Queen’s Award Mr Seymour said: “We are very proud. It is such an honour to receive the award in recognition of all the hard work by the team at Sheppee International.

“Receiving the award is already starting to help the business going forward. Since the announcement we have had enquiries and congratulations coming from Australia, America, South Africa and Germany.

“It really is the icing on the cake to demonstrate our quality and commitment to serving our customers.

“2013 is a year of award wins for us with The Press Business Awards too, and we hope that 2014 will see go forward and grow our position as a world leader in our industry.”

Mr Seymour works on the international expansion of the business while Mr Wilson runs the facility in Elvington.