FLINTSHIRE'S businesses were celebrated at an annual awards ceremony.

The twelfth annual Flintshire Business Awards were celebrated at an award ceremony at Soughton Hall.

The Awards recognise excellence and outstanding performance by businesses across the county.

The winners of the ten categories were revealed at the exclusive black tie award event, to an audience of more than 200 influential business people where Flintshire companies were celebrated for their successes.

It was a great night for two companies, each winning two awards. Connor McAuley from DRB Group won the Apprenticeship Award and the company was also named Best Socially Responsible Business. Pro-Networks was named Best Business to Work For as well as their employee, Paul Crudge, claiming the Business Person of the Year Award.

A round-up of all the winners can be seen below.

The Lord Barry Jones Legacy Award was presented by the Rt Hon. Lord Barry Jones to Leyla Edwards, founder of KK Fine Foods, in recognition of her outstanding services to local business and the economy.

The Rt Hon Lord Jones, President of Flintshire in Business, Mersey Dee Alliance and Deeside Business Forum, said: ''I am thrilled to present this award to Leyla Edwards who richly deserves to receive this recognition for the outstanding work she does in support of our great County of Flintshire – really well done.''

Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Councillor Derek Butler, said: ''I’d like to congratulate all of this year’s winners. Competition has, as always, been fierce – I don’t envy the judges having to make their decision. It’s great to see the Awards going from strength to strength.

''It’s fitting that the theme of this year’s Awards is 'Growth'. The North Wales Growth Bid is an essential tool to make our economy more resilient and better connected which will open up considerable government investment and opportunity for business growth in our County.''

The winners of the ten categories are listed as follows:

Apprenticeship - Connor McAuley, DRB Group,

Business Person of the Year - Paul Crudge, Pro-Network

Best Business Over 10 Employees - Wagtail UK.

Best Business Under 10 Employees - Clwyd Brickwork

Best Business to Work For - Pro Networks

Entrepreneur - Jane Bellis, Art & Soul

Most Socially Responsible Business - DRB Group

Innovation, Technology Enterprise - Salvtech

Best Social Enterprise - Cambrian Aquatics Sports Centre

The Lord Barry Jones Legacy Award - Leyla Edwards, KK Fine Foods

For more information about Flintshire Business Awards contact Kate Catherall on 01352 703221 or go to www.flintshirebusinessweek.co.uk