Polo's winning eye for detail

A second York-based company, Portakabin Ltd, has achieved the same distinction for nursery buildings that provide "an innovative and stimulating educational environment from a child's viewpoint".

Trade and Industry secretary Peter Mandelson announced both had been awarded Millennium Products status when he appeared at the CBI Conference in Birmingham.

The award, launched last year after Prime Minister Tony Blair challenged British business to show it was the world's creative powerhouse, is intended to highlight innovation and creativity.

Nestl Rowntree managing director David Thomson today said the sweet, which comes in a plastic dispenser shaped like a giant polo with a unique pop-lock opener, has sold £5.2 million worth since its launch in June.

The supermint, which is a tenth of the weight of a standard polo but contains almost four times the amount of peppermint, has managed to outsell Nestl's newest product, Pretzel Flipz.

Mr Thomson said: "We're delighted to be able to use the prestigious Millennium Products marque and look forward to the possibility of Supermints securing a place for posterity in the Millennium Dome."

Lilliput Nurseries - produced by Portakabin - offer specially-tailored nurseries that can be delivered and built in just three weeks.

The nursery buildings, which cost from £50,000, have gone into schools all over the country to wide acclaim. They include low windows for children to look through and a layout allowing the teacher to see the children at all times.

Steve Stericker, technical director of Portakabin Limited, said: "It's a recognition of the company's commitment to design as a means of better meeting the needs of customers - including in this case three to four-year-olds and their teachers."

see COMMENT 'Dome sweet dome'

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