TWO Worcestershire businesses were given highly commended awards at the Midlands Family Business of the Year awards.

Broad Street DIY, based in Bromsgrove, and Churchfields Farm of Salwarpe, Droitwich, were shortlisted back in September, having fought off strong competition to earn a place as one of six finalists chosen for each award category, and joined 300 guests, finalists, judges and sponsors for the awards dinner at Leicester’s Athena.

Churchfields Farm was highly commended in the best small family business category, while Broad Street DIY was highly commended in the retail excellence category. They were the only Worcestershire businesses in these categories to make it through to the final stage of the competition.

Gillian Kerton of Churchfields Farm said: "We’re really proud of this award because it recognises our strong family values and the success of family members in guiding the development of our business."

The judging panel for the best small family business was led by David Evans of Manor Pharmacy. The judges praised Churchfields Farm for its excellent family ethos, innovation and support for local suppliers.

Ben Fletcher, managing director of Boots Opticians, led the judging panel for the retail excellence award where the judges were particularly impressed with the passion, commitment and strong leadership skills demonstrated by Broad Street DIY.

Now in their sixth year, the awards are run by third generation family business The Wilson Organisation and are the Midlands’ only independent, not-for-profit initiative to recognise and celebrate the work, achievements, innovation, operations, growth and performance of family businesses.