A FINE art print company in the shadow of the Malvern Hills has won a national industry award for excellence.

The three-strong team at Iris Print, based at Hanley Swan, brought home the coveted title of Digital Printer of the Year at The Fine Art Trade Guild’s Art and Framing Industry Awards.

They were one of three finalists in the digital print category, but had no idea they had won until they heard the company’s name called from the podium on the night.

The ceremony at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Stratford-upon-Avon was attended by firms from across the country, all hoping for recognition in one of twelve categories.

Iris Print’s company directors, Amanda Maggs and Ian Yorke, received a piece of engraved crystal from Mike Gonzalez, director of awards sponsor, Innova Art Ltd.

Amanda Maggs said: “This is the first time we have entered the awards, and in fact, the first time we’ve entered any competition of this kind, so as you can imagine, we are thrilled with our success.

"We pride ourselves on offering a first-class digital printing service, and our clients include artists, photographers, designers, art publishers, art consultants, galleries and hotels around the world, but we are only a small team, working in a quiet little Worcestershire village, and never imagined we would be selected as a finalist, let alone beat off stiff competition to take home the top award.

"This is an accolade for all small businesses with big ideas; anything is possible. We are also indebted to our valued clients who trust us, year on year, to turn their works of art into prints."