A ST HELENS company set up less than three years ago is already up there with the best after winning a top regional award for improved business performance.

Universal Arches Limited, based at the Bold Business Centre, was chosen as one of two North West winners in the prestigious Business Link 'Making the Difference' awards and will now go on to represent the region in the national final which takes place on March 4.

First established in 1994 with the help of Business Link adviser Joe Ward, the company is involved in the bending of UPVC profiles and fabricating arched door and window frames.

However, the company needed to increase its profits by expanding and exploring export markets and, with Joe's advice on financial control and export training, now has a clientele which stretches to Russia and Singapore, has won a Department of Trade and Industry innovation grant of £25,000, and, in the last three years, has amassed a turnover in excess of £500,000.

Richard Comber, distribution manager of Shell UK, who presented the awards, said: "Universal Arches has proved itself as one of the key growth businesses in the area, showing a spirit of enterprise and excellent management skills. There is a wealth of good advice available out there for smaller companies and those who have the foresight to tap into it can also fulfil their potential and reap the rewards."

In addition to their regional prize, Universal Arches was presented with a cheque for £5,000 from Business Link and could go on to collect a further £10,000 by lifting the national prize.

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