Several local firms celebrated success at the East Midlands Chamber 2016 Nottinghamshire Business of the Year Awards.

President of the chamber (Derbyshire, Notting-hamshire, Leicestershire) Jean Mountain said: “Congratulations go to all of this year’s winners. We had some good entries and the judging process was extremely tough, but all of the winning businesses thoroughly deserve their success.

“The standard of competition was extremely high, which clearly shows that despite the surprise of the exit vote at the EU Referendum, we have some success stories of Nottinghamshire businesses doing well. All of the finalists deserve recognition for their success.

“Over the past 12 months, businesses in Nottinghamshire have been busy investing, innovating, exporting and growing and these awards are testament to the quality of businesses we have in this city and county.”

Among the local winners were: Apprentice of the Year (sponsored by Babington Group) — winner, Jack Cranmer (A1 Flue Systems); runners-up – Bradley Clifton (Total Integrated Solutions), Charlotte Birch (Academy Transformation Trust).

Outstanding Growth Performance (sponsored by Ryley Wealth Management) — winner, Van Elle; runners-up – Total Integrated Systems (TIS), Fortis Battery Care and Foremost Security

Small Business of the Year (sponsored by Nottingham Trent University) — runners-up, Fortis Battery Care.

Excellence in Customer Service (sponsored by The Money Shop) — winner, Mansfield Manor; runners-up – Center Parcs.

Entrepreneur of the Year (sponsored by PKF Cooper Parry) — runners-up, Diane Doran (Mansfield Manor)

Manufacturer of the Year (sponsored by Santander) — winner, A1 Flue Systems.