SPECIALIST engineering company Cygnet Group was awarded the top accolade at the Greater China Business Awards 2015.

The Wincham-based manufacturer won the Business Award alongside joint winner, engineering consultancy Arup, in the annual awards hosted by UK Trade and Investment North West.

Now in its 10th year, the Greater China Business Awards celebrate the companies and organisations which have made the most significant contribution to developing trade or educational links with China.

Cygnet Group, which manufactures machinery to process technical fibres including carbon fibre used in the automotive and aerospace industries, was recognised for its sustained growth in China and its commitment to building long-term trade partnerships in the region.

Thirty per cent of the company’s UK-manufactured machines are now exported to Chinese customers.

Accepting the award at Friday night’s ceremony at The Lowry Theatre in Salford Quays, group managing director Matthew Kimpton-Smith said: “China holds massive opportunities for UK businesses like ours if we play to our strengths and take the time to understand and appreciate our cultural differences.

“Our strategy in China has always been to take time to build long-lasting relationships with our customers, and this is undoubtedly the key to our success.

“Winning this award is a huge achievement and a reflection of all the hard work our talented and dedicated team invests in supporting our Chinese customers.”