THE cream of Wyre Forest businesses were recognised recently with the Wyre Forest Business Club Awards.

The awards, organised by the Wyre Forest Business Club, which is a networking and support group for small businesses, aim to promote and develop business in the Wyre Forest area.

The title of Business of the Year went to internet marketing company, EC-Plus, of Kidderminster, which was also the winner of the Small Business section.

EC-Plus, set up 18 months ago by Ray Manton, employs four people and specialises in business website development and search engine positioning.

"We were pretty chuffed when we won two silvers last year and this year we've won the gold, which we can't believe," said Mr Manton.

Wyre Forest MP Dr Richard Taylor - who was the only independent candidate to win a seat in the Commons at last year's General Election - presented the prizes at a ceremony in Bewdley.

The silver medal for Business of the Year went to Ethical Training Company, in Kinver, which was set up 18 months ago by Lynne Hunt with the aim of working with employers on ethical and staff welfare issues.

"Employers are becoming increasingly aware of the benefits of protecting the well-being of their staff," said Ms Hunt.

"A company that's able to handle problematic situations confidently and with empathy will see tangible benefits."

The bronze medal was taken by The House of Learning, in Stourport-on-Severn.

The awards were split into two categories - micro businesses, employing up to two people, and small businesses, employing more than two people - with the Business of the Year winners drawn from the two categories.

"The judges had a hard time selecting from the two-categories the prize-winners in the Business of the Year section," said WFBC vice-chairman, Ken Wigfield.

In the Micro section, Ethical Training came top, followed by The House of Learning in second place. Third place went to Business Risk Management Consultancy, of Kidderminster.

Second place in the Small Business section went to Sammy Rose Management Services, of Kidderminster, and third place to Associated Telesales Services, from Stourbridge.

The Wyre Forest Business Club has more than 100 members and its committee members regularly meet with councils, colleges, chambers of commerce, town centre forums and other business organisations to represent their members' views.