A MANUFACTURER that plays a vital role in the plumbing industry has scored a remarkable double by becoming Medway's top small business for the second time in 12 years.

Talon Manufacturing, based in Gillingham Business Park, is the first company to twice be named Medway Small Business of the Year.

The manufacturer of plastic pipe clips and plugs that keep plumbing on the wall last won the award in 1992, and staff shouted with joy after picking up the same accolade in 2004.

At a glittering gala ceremony in the Corn Exchange, Rochester, on November 12, managing director Michael Dudney and his team were presented with a handsome trophy and cheque for £2,000.

Paul Saunders, senior Lloyds TSB Bank manager, chairman of the judges and joint master of ceremonies, said the competition reflected the vibrancy of business in the area.

He praised Talon for succeeding in manufacturing, something that was so difficult to get right. "The judges were knocked out by this company," he said.

Mr Dudney, who founded the firm in 1986, was thrilled with this second victory. "It's out of this world, absolutely fantastic, something I never expected," he said. "Having won it once, I didn't think we could win it again."

He put his success down to the constant search for quality and excellent customer service. His company faced stiff overseas competition but that kept it on its toes. "You just have to strive harder," he said, adding that Medway was a good place for business.

The 20th anniversary Medway Small Business Awards ceremony, attended by more than 200 people, including the Mayor of Medway, Cllr Susan Haydock, was the biggest ever staged.

David Jones, joint master of ceremonies, said the awards had been set up to lift business gloom after the dockyard closed. But today, Chatham Maritime and the Historic Dockyard employed nearly as many people who used to work at the naval base.

The finale had a black and white film theme, with classic Norman Wisdom and Laurel and Hardy films shown during the dinner.

Colour was restored for video clips about each of the 12 finalists made by Paul Kicks and Lydon Duell of Kent Institute of Art and Design.

Guest speakers were Professor Keith Mander, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Unversity of Kent, Cllr Jane Chitty, Medway council's Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, and Clive Relf, senior partner with accounting firm Reeves and Neylan.

A collection for the Wisdom Hospice, the Mayor's charity, raised nearly £700.

Runners-up awards went to Rako Controls, based at the Historic Dockyard (£1,000), and Oxden Floors, Strood (£750).

Sammy's Bridal Company, with showrooms in Gillingham and Rochester, was named "Most Improved Previous Finalist", whilst The Wholemeal Sandwich Company, Medway City Estate, won the Customer Service Prize.

Other finalists: Classic Filters, Medway City Estate; Downunder Café, Dockside Outlet Centre; Netsite, Historic Dockyard; Road Pilot, Medway City Estate; The Food Machinery Company, St Mary Hoo; The Right Way, Strood; and TM Carpentry Services, Strood.

Award sponsors: Business Link Kent, Kent Institute of Art and Design, Lloyds TSB, Medway council, Medway Enterprise Gateway, North Kent Chamber of Commerce, Reeves and Neylan, the University of Kent at Medway, and the Medway Messenger.