Wythenshawe-based accident management company Easi Drive – a losing finalist in 2009 – took the honours in the category for firms with turnover of between £10 and £25m.

The 2010 Business of the Year Awards also saw the announcement of a new sustainability honour at the awards.

Congleton pharmaceutical design company Protomed won the Young Business of the Year prize, for firms less than three years old.

Cheshire engineering company Oliver Valves took the top spot in the category for firms with a turnover between £25 and £50m.