THE Tees Valley Business Awards proved to be a glittering success for a number of Darlington companies.

Conservatory manufacturer Amdega brought back two top awards to the town, including the biggest prize, Tees Valley Company of the Year.

The company, on the Faverdale Industrial Estate, also landed the export award, for the second year in succession.

Colin Taylor, managing director of the company, said: "After last year's success we really didn't expect to win a second export award. But to be named the company of the year is a fabulous achievement for all our staff.

"Without the hard work of a dedicated team, Amdega wouldn't be the success it is today. This award belongs to the workforce."

He added: "Winning a Tees Valley award means more to this company than any national or international recognition."

Amdega has been in the business of building conservatories for more than 125 years, but only for the past three in its present form.

The company was formerly part of Williams plc, but it was not a core business to the conglomerate, so the then finance director launched a management buy-out.

Mr Taylor said: "We were part of a big plc and that didn't really suit us. As finance director I led a management buy-out team that has gone from success to success since."

The firm employs about 300 staff at its Faverdale headquarters, with 150 other staff at other sites around the country.

The award will boost Amdega's profile, but not jobs prospects, because the company is already taking on staff on a regular basis.

Mr Taylor said: "We have been taking on around one or two people a week for the last year and that is set to continue for the foreseeable future."

Looking ahead, Mr Taylor said: "We thought 2000 was our best year, but 2001 is already shaping up to be our best yet.

"Our strength is that we know our business and we focus on what we are good at."

Amdega counts a number of film and rock stars among its best customers.

The keynote speaker at the event was chairman of the Tees Valley Partnership, Alistair Arkley.

He paid tribute to all the winners, saying: "The Tees Valley needs an aspirational vision that is optimistic, but ultimately realistic. That vision must be created from within the Tees Valley, rather than being imposed from outside."

Other Darlington winners included solicitors Blackett Hart and Pratt, and joinery firm Magnet, scene of bitter long-running strikes in the 1990s.

l The winners were: Tees Valley Company of the Year, sponsored by KPMG: Amdega, Darlington.

Export award, sponsored by Kvaerner: Amdega, Darlington.

Internet award, sponsored by BT: Blackett Hart and Pratt Solicitors, Darlington.

Training and education award, sponsored by Tees Valley Training and Enterprise Council: Magnet, Darlington.

Best new product/service, sponsored by Business Link Tees Valley: Middleton Hall, Middleton St George.

Small Business award, sponsored by HSBC: Brulines, Stockton.

Business in the community, sponsored by TFM and Magic 1170: TTE.

Retail award, sponsored by Northern Electric and Gas: The House, Yarm.

Services award, sponsored by Jacksons Solicitors: Industrial Technology Systems, Middlesbrough.

Technology award, sponsored by NTL: Teesside University Virtual Reality Centre.

Tees Valley Vision award, sponsored by Tees Valley Tomorrow: John Bennett, chief executive of Tees Valley Training and Enterprise Council