Specialist manufacturer Voestalpine Metsec has been named the Black Country Business of the Year at the chamber's annual awards.

The Oldbury-based company specialises in making cold rolled sections, predominantly selling into the construction market, and was praised by the judges for its investment in people, processes and equipment.

Voestalpine Metsec was one of seven winners at the 2014 ceremony which welcomed 300 people to Wolverhampton Racecourse to recognise the region's top businesses.

Ninder Johal, president of Black Country Chamber of Commerce, said: "I would like to congratulate all our winners and thank the many more businesses who have taken part in the awards this year.

"Our judges were very impressed with the high standard and diversity of award entries.

"They had some very difficult decisions to make. It was great to see so many people celebrating Black Country business success."

Cradley Heath law firm George Green was named aspirational business because of its "innovative approach to helping early stage businesses succeed" with the use of an online growth hub.

"They really look to give something back to the local area by supporting a local charity and acting as a role model for those aspiring to enter the legal profession," judges said.

The customer service and manufacturer awards both went to Kingswinford-based Ultra Furniture which impressed judges with its "very proactive approach" to customer service, demonstrated by its hard work to create better relationships with suppliers and innovation in the factory.

The overseas activities of Wolverhampton-based metal fence manufacturer, particularly in the Middle East, earned it the international trade award while the people development category was won by Sandwell Women's Aid which impressed the panel with its local campaigns.

Making up the winners' list was Smethwick-based parcel delivery firm DPD (UK) which took home service provider of the year, recognising how it had inspire its employees and sustained positive growth through its people.