The Industrial Building Company Limited, based in Richmond, North Yorkshire, was crowned the 'UK British Small Business Champion' at the glittering British Small Business Champions Awards 2003 ceremony held at Claridges, London in November.

The Federation of Small Businesses, Lloyds TSB, the Daily Mirror and Business in the Community joined forces to set up the Awards to highlight and celebrate the contribution small businesses make to the UK economy and to raise the profile of ALL small businesses.

The winner, The Industrial Building Company Ltd, was started five years ago to break down the perceived image of the construction subcontractors and bring back good standards, ethics and integrity. The result is a highly successful business that offers a professional and efficient package, alternatives to specified materials without sacrificing quality or safety and delivers contracts early or time.

On becoming the national small business champion, David Kirby, Managing Director of The Industrial Building Company Ltd, said: "Winning this award has given us the recognition and reward for all our hard work and commitment as a business. I hope that by winning this award, we can carry the banner for small businesses and demonstrate how vital they are to the economy and its prosperity."

AND THE WINNER IS....THE INDUSTRIAL BUILDING COMPANY LIMITED

Steve Redgrave, Olympic Gold Medallist, who was the guest speaker at the ceremony, presented the winners trophy to Karen and David, said: "Recognition of achievement in any walk of life is very important. The British Small Business Champions Awards give staff credit for their hardwork, aptitude, ideas and above all vision."

David and Karen Kirby received a trip for the business to New York.