THE diversity and richness of Malvern's business community was demonstrated when firms ranging from a fruit farm to an ironing company won awards at a prestigious ceremony.

A training company that uses actors, a speech technology company and a plant grower were also honoured at the Platinum Awards for Business and Community Excellence, held last night at Malvern Theatres.

Now in their fifth year, the awards are organised by Malvern Hills District Council.

Overall Platinum Award winner was Top Barn Farm, Holt, near Worcester, described as being an "inspiration to businesses that need to diversify".

In response to dwindling agricultural incomes, the company invested in a farm shop to sell local produce. It also developed a maze and nature trail walks for children, and started growing Christmas trees.

All the redundant farm buildings were converted into business units which now house 50 companies. Strawberries and raspberries are also grown for the pick-your-own market.

"Top Barn Farm has managed change hugely successfully," said Adrian Field, marketing officer at MHDC.

"Diversification has been on a grand scale and the business is active in ensuring that everybody can take part on site."

The company was also the winner of the Service Business award.

Winner of the manufacturing award was Bransford Garden Plants, which supplies hardy and semi-hardy plants to more than 400 garden centres nation-wide.

A full business review resulted in a new mission statement for the company, at Bransford, near Worcester, and it ceased production of half the plants it grew and replaced them with a new, highly marketable selection.

Recent investment has included building 8,000sq metres of polythene tunnels and glass covering, and a new potting facility is on the cards.

The retail award was won by Clive's Fruit Farm, at Upton-upon-Severn (see separate story below), which has seen sales of its home-grown apple juice triple since the installation of an on-site pressing plant.

The technology award was won by 20/20 Speech, a speech technology company at the forefront of the development of speech-activated computers.

Nelson Training, in Welland, Malvern, took the Arts Business award, for its innovative approach to corporate training, using professional actors to dramatise everyday problems.

The tourism award was won by Maynard Lodge, a five-star self-catering complex in West Malvern.

Two children's nurseries also won awards, with Clifton-upon-Teme Nursery winning the Community Project award and Little Blossoms Nursery the Chairman's Special Award.