A TOP performance from Worcestershire's business-to-business express delivery giant has been rewarded with a top honour at an international awards ceremony.

TNT Express UK, based at Hartlebury Trading Estate, Hartlebury, near Stourport-on-Severn, picked up the acclaimed Business Improvement Award at the annual International Freighting Weekly (IFW) Freighting Industry Awards 2007 - the Oscars of the international transport industry - after demonstrating how the company had continued to outperform the market during 2006/07.

The IFW judges were particularly impressed with TNT's ability to achieve quantum improvement and remain highly competitive in an express market which continues to outgrow most sectors.

The panel also praised TNT's improvements in financial performance, innovation in cost savings, how it differentiates itself from rivals with first-class levels of customer service, its commitment to the "green" agenda and how TNT has developed new market opportunities around the globe.

Adrian Avery, Worcester depot general manager, said: "Winning the Business Improvement Award is testimony to our clear commitment to continually develop and improve everything we do at TNT.

"It's particularly gratifying as we have to evidence our financial performance and provide examples of initiatives such as our commitment to running pollution-free zero emission vehicles and achieving a market-leading position in key overseas markets such as China."

Stuart Stobie, divisional managing director, TNT Express UK, said: "You can't talk about what you plan to do. You have to demonstrate what you have done, so it's extremely satisfying to be recognised in this way."

TNT collected the award in front of an 800-strong audience, comprising the cream of the UK's international transportation industry, at at the Honourable Artillery Company in the City of London.