ONE of York's biggest employers, which has grown over 50 years to boast operations in seven countries across Europe, was named Large Business of the Year.

The Portakabin Group, which provides building solutions to customers in the education, healthcare, manufacturing, transport and construction sectors through its modular building designs, is headquartered in Huntington, and employs a team of 1,742.

Having increased profitability and turnover, with this year's performance already a year ahead of the group's five-year plan, continued expansion across Europe has seen Portakabin open a centre in Luxembourg and expand operations in Toulouse, as well as acquiring German modular building manufacturer Oecon Mobilraum GmbH to complement existing operations in France, Belgium and Holland, with the group now looking to expand into Scandinavia.

Speaking at the Business Awards, Derek Carter, chief executive of Portakabin, said: "The business is fully committed to York and its surrounding district, so this award really is testament to the employers, and the investment we have made in the area.

"Portakabin Group at the moment is planning for future UK and international expansion, and the Shepherd Group is now well placed to invest in Portakabin both at home and abroad."

One of two finalists in the construction and manufacturing industry, Portakabin was praised by judges for delivering sustainable financial growth in a challenging sector. Judges were impressed by continual innovation at the firm, despite an existing strong core business, as well as Portakabin’s success overseas with an internationally renowned reputation and rapidly expanding international market.

As well as its exceptional business credentials judges praised Portakabin for its strong community ethos with emphasis on sustainability and staff development.

In its entry Portakabin cited the most significant challenges as being related to the economic climate and reductions in public sector expenditure.

In response, the group has greatly expanded its overall product portfolio, such as the launch of new Portaloo products, increased geographic locations and export markets, focused further on the private sector, and introduced strategies to motivate and upskill the staffing base.

Portakabin has seen staff turnover reduced from 7.9 per cent to 3.2 per cent in 12 months, while the number of apprentices has increased to 36, with an additional 20 apprentices to be recruited in 2015.