ACORN Stairlifts has been named a British manufacturing champion after scooping three prestigious national business awards.

The Steeton-based firm saw its success recognised at the EEF/Aldermore Future Manufacturing Awards held in London.

Acorn has been been manufacturing and installing stairlifts for over 20 years and employs over 800 people in the UK and 1,400 worldwide,

The company took gold in the Outstanding Export Award in recognition of its achievements in exporting into more than 80 different countries.

Acorn has invested heavily in overseas markets by setting up subsidiaries in the USA, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Ireland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

The company’s turnover in North America is now higher than in the UK and it is the market leader for stairlifts in the US.

Acorn was also named runner-up in the Business Growth Award, reflecting turnover in North America that has trebled from £19.5m to £58.6m in the past four years.

During this time the company’s worldwide exports have more than doubled from £35.7m to almost £80m. Every nine minutes, an Acorn stairlift is installed somewhere in the world.

Acorn’s biggest award success on the night came when it was crowned Winner of Winners – a title awarded to the most outstanding and inspiring company out of all the national winners.

Acorn Stairlifts was selected by a panel of judges drawn from business leaders, industry experts and academics and was up against tough competition from a range of dynamic businesses, small and large, from across the UK.

The judges described the company as being truly inspirational and a great example of UK manufacturing success and growth through innovation in product, process and marketing.

Dave Belmont, Acorn’s company secretary, said: “Manufacturers are amongst the most prolific and successful exporters in the UK so to not only win the Outstanding Export Award, but also be named Winner of Winners, is a great accomplishment and compliment to our team.

“We have spent the last 20 years focussed on carefully developing stylish, easy to use and affordable stairlifts designed to meet the mobility needs of people around the world.

“We are passionate about all aspects of our business and today this dedication and focus has paid off. We hope our success will inspire other manufacturers and encourage them to share their achievements too.”

Nicol Fraser, partner at award sponsor Dunedin, said: “Acorn Stairlifts is a fantastic example of the impact a successful export strategy can have on a business.

“Their growth journey is inspirational and their ambitions have been achieved through a combination of hard work, dedication to the business and a focus on the end goal.

“Exporting can be a real game changer for company growth, but it’s not without its challenges, particularly for firms seeking new opportunities in the overseas markets.”