A STEETON company has won another prestigious award.

Acorn Stairlifts has been named International Business of the Year.

It beat off competition from six other firms to take the accolade, in the UK Private Business Awards.

Judges praised Acorn's rapid growth in world markets over the past decade.

The company, whose annual turnover is nearly £150 million, earns two-thirds of its revenue from export sales.

It has wholly-owned subsidiaries across the globe and is now a market leader in the USA.

Company secretary, Dave Belmont, collected the award at a glittering ceremony in London.

He said: "We have made tremendous efforts over the past ten years to break into new international markets and expand our overseas operations.

"We can now proudly say that somewhere in the world, an Acorn stairlift is fitted every eight minutes, giving someone's life a lift.

"Our efforts to keep growing the business are ongoing and this award is testament to the hard work and commitment of all my colleagues, both in the UK and abroad.

"We're thrilled to receive it!"

Acorn also reached the final shortlist of seven in the Private Business of the Year category.