Brian Cooper was the perfect person to pick up Airedale Springs' award in the Employer of the Year category. The 63-year-old engineer has worked for the family-run Haworth firm, which makes springs, for 48 years.

"They have always been really good," said Mr Cooper, of his employer. "This is a very proud moment.

"It is absolutely brilliant to work for them. They are a family-run, friendly firm. We have got about 60 per cent of staff that have been there longer than 25 years, which is testament to the company."

On the company winning the award, Mr Cooper said: "I am absolutely gobsmacked, it is a bit of a shock.

"I hoped to have won, so to win is absolutely brilliant. I am very proud."

MORE FROM THE BRADFORD MEANS BUSINESS AWARDS

Airedale Springs started out in 1945 and over the years has developed a worldwide reputation for outstanding quality and service. It has also enjoyed previous success at awards ceremonies, scooping a hat-trick - Employer of the Year, Large Business of the Year and Overall Business of the Year - at the Keighley Business Awards last year.

Mr Cooper nominated his employer for the Bradford Means Business award, stating: "Airedale Springs has always been a caring family business looking after its employees. They provide good safe working conditions and have an excellent safety record. They also provide good training for apprentices and in-house training."

Airedale Springs has also fought back after suffering a devastating fire in August 2010, which gutted the factory and all its contents. Staff and management worked together to rebuild the company, said Mr Cooper, with senior management not receiving a salary to keep the business going."

Highly commended by judges were Mansfield Pollard and Watermill Press.