Judges were bowled over by the independent insurance broker and risk management firm's ability to double its size over the last three years.

New initiatives, investment in staff and a flexible business plan have all ensured the company stayed on the right tracks.

Wilby, set up by Peter Wilby - who remains with the business as executive chairman - has shown a staggering pace of growth in a time when many of its competitors in the industry have been suffering a decline.

Richard Blackburn joined as managing director two years ago and has been leading the company's aim to double in size again in the next three years.

The company, of Charles Street, Halifax, ensured it remained dominant in Calderdale and has developed award-winning new products over the last three years.

Feather Diesel Services Ltd, a growing fuel injection systems company in Lowfields Business Park, Elland, was short-listed after having proved a strong local and international reputation in its 50-year history.

The Ark Private Day Nursery, of Mytholmroyd, was also singled out having shown its turnover had increased 20-fold over the last seven years.

An innovative business plan allowed the business to expand hugely.
Action Halifax sponsored the award.