HEREFORDSHIRE came away with one winner when 300 top business people congregated in Worcester Cathedral to celebrate the two counties' top entrepreneurs.

Milsys based on the Rotherwas industrial estate took the top prize for skills and development but, overall, it was a disappointing time for businesses in the county. Four were short-listed at the Hereford and Worcester Chamber of Commerce annual awards, held last Thursday.

But it was only Milsys which expanded from a one-man band to a company supplying shelters and containers to the Ministry of Defence and overseas, who wowed the judges.

It now employs 13 people and has its eyes on further expansion in the Middle East and other export markets.

The business, founded by 43-year-old former army major Mike Moran, received the award in recognition of its commitment to training and improving the professional and personal development of its workforce.

"We employ a mix of people of all ages. All of them are from Hereford and all of them are vital to our success." said Mr Moran. Now the company which has customers in France and Spain, is working towards the export award in 2006. Within 24 hours of lifting the award, Mr Moran was off to the Middle East for sales meetings.

Other Herefordshire companies shortlisted for the awards were Special Metals Wiggins, New House Textiles and Ben Kinnaird from Froya.