WORCESTER entrepreneur Ed Douglas-Miller has fought off competition from more than 100 other UK companies to reach the finals of the first ever Entrepreneur of the Industry Award.

His firm Remarkable (Pencils), based in Midland Road, eventually came runner-up to a puzzle maker from London.

Even so, the competition was a huge success for him.

"It brought the Remarkable name to the attention of the major players in the UK's promotional marketing industry, an industry which is worth £20bn annually," said Mr Douglas-Miller.

The Entrepreneur of the Industry Award was a nationwide search for an entrepreneur demonstrating initiative, innovative concepts and a proactive business approach which has proven successful in the vast promotions and incentives industry.

Mr Douglas-Miller, who lives near Ledbury, was chosen as one of three finalists from a strong, highly competitive list. He was selected by a panel of senior UK promotional marketing industry leaders for his innovative business concept - the Remarkable range of products made from recycled materials - and for his natural entrepreneurial flair.

The new accolade was created and launched by the British Promotional Merch-andise Association (BPMA) on the strength that all businesses and consumers are affected by the huge reach of the promotions and incentives industry and thus recognition needs to be paid to individuals contributing to its advancement.

Mr Douglas-Miller set up Remarkable (Pencils) Ltd in 1996 when he first began designing the world's only pencil made from one recycled plastic cup.

Now the firm recycles a wide range of items, including white goods, car tyres and CD cases, into useful daily items. The Remarkable Pencil haswon various awards and was named as a Millennium Product.