WINNER: Ten Motives Ltd

TEN Motives Ltd, based in Sandbach, was started by director Art Devlin, who came across a product called ‘the electronic cigarette’.

This aroused his curiosity – as a long-time smoker he despaired in his attempts to quit tobacco.

Sample products were imported for trial from various suppliers and without being consciously aware, Art realised he hadn't bought a pack of cigarettes for over two weeks.

He realised if they worked for him then they could work for all smokers.

Ten Motives is now the market leader in the distribution of electronic cigarettes in the UK and Ireland, with a huge turnover increase in just under two years and is on target to at least double its figures this year.

The company philosophy states: “There can no longer be any doubt that smoking is a habit that kills over 100,000 people a year in the UK, costs the health service billions, and consequently causes untold damage to individuals and their families.

“We all have direct or indirect experience to the effects and outcomes of continued and prolonged smoking. We’re passionate about our product because it’s a realistic alternative to tobacco products.”

RUNNERS-UP: Hutcheon Construction Limited; The Greener Group.