FIVE Worcestershire businesses have triumphed in the West Midlands heats of the Chamber Awards 2015 and will now go forward to compete against the best in the UK.

Three are based in Worcester, Gtech, which won the high growth business of the year award, Rock Power Connections Ltd, winners of the people development award, and HomeXperts Ltd, which took the best use of technology to improve business performance award, while LG Harris & Co of Bromsgrove won the the export business of the year award and 3SDL of Malvern took the small business of the year category.

The Chamber Awards, now in their 12th year, are a highlight of the business calendar, showcasing the pivotal role local businesses play in the UK’s continuing growth story and the regional winners will now go forward to represent the West Midlands in the national finals, which take place in London in November.

Nora Senior, president of the British Chambers of Commerce, said: “The Chamber Awards are the perfect opportunity to take stock of the outstanding performances of UK businesses over the past year – something made all the more impressive by the continuing global economic headwinds they are facing. The creativity and determination that has been shown by each year’s entrants never ceases to impress us, and is a source of encouragement knowing that our economy is being driven by such hard-working and talented professionals. It’s important that we recognise and celebrate these businesses, and ensure that we can provide the support and assistance they need to help them realise their growth ambitions, as well as sharing their experiences with their peers to help us to continue to develop a balanced and prosperous economy.”