Two of the county's top firms have scooped trophies at the National Family Business Awards 2019.

The awards were founded ten years ago to highlight the contribution made to the economy by family businesses. This year's winners were revealed during a ceremony at Wembley Stadium.

And it was glory for Ashford garage D&D Autos after it was crowned national champion in the manufacturing and engineering category.

Operations manager Lorraine Fuller, daughter of founder Derek Pestridge, said: "It was just fantastic to be at the event at Wembley Stadium and have our achievements recognised by one of the top awards for family businesses, particularly since we were up against nine other really strong companies.

“We are proud of what we have achieved since Dad set the business up 36 years ago and there is something very special about succeeding as a family business. This award recognises that and it will certainly take pride of place amongst our other awards.”

Meanwhile, Harrietsham-based med-tech company Bedfont Scientific - which won a KEiBA in 2018 - won the silver award in the technology and innovation category.

Jason Smith, managing director at Bedfont, said: “This is our first national accolade and we are over the moon to have been awarded the silver award. At Bedfont, we take pride in being an innovative company and try to break the mould of traditional healthcare and it’s honestly amazing to have that recognised on a national scale.”

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