Successfully marrying new technology with a happy workforce has proved the making of Midland press tool specialist Harper and Simmons.

That success was recognised when the Worcestershire company became the latest recipient of The Birmingham Post Business Award.

Owner and managing director Robert Simmons, a man unused to the limelight, was presented with the award during a ceremony at the headquarters of regional development agency Advantage West Midlands.

Still surprised that his firm had been recognised in such a way, his acceptance speech was short but spoke volumes about the firm's work ethic.

"We are one of the quiet little businesses just getting on with things," he said.

This approach of "just getting on with things" has helped make the Redditch-based firm a Midlands success story.

Faced with the loss of a major contract, when one of its customers decided to relocate to Estonia, some firms might have struggled.

Instead, the toolmaker invested £1 million in a new 18,000 sq ft site on the Park Farm Industrial Estate and in the words of its managing director "got on with things".

The relocation enabled the firm, which has been in business for 65 years, to bring in new machinery and in turn expand into the high-tech tooling sector.

The equipment allowed the firm to produce high quality components for the automotive industry at a competitive price. This has proved invaluable in winning back orders from customers disappointed with inferior quality products from the likes of China and the developing countries.

"I know labour costs are low but when you consider the price of raw materials and energy costs it makes you wonder how these countries can produce the goods for such a low price.

"The reason is that they are of poor quality and so you have to ask yourself what they are using to make the items with in the first place," said Mr Simmons.

"We can compete with everyone on price apart from China and we believe that our quality levels are far superior. Thankfully many of our customers have also realised this and they are now viewing quality as their primary concern," he added.

The new orders are good news for the company's 15-strong workforce, who are all very loyal to the firm.

"We have a high staff retention and while this is partly due to the good salaries that we pay, a lot of it is down to our approach to business. We believe that our staff share our values and are proud of the quality of their work.

"This is very important because without their support we would not be as successful as we are," said Mr Simmons.

The company, which has increased its turnover by 40 per cent on the last 18 months, is now planning further investment in new technology to ensure its stays ahead of the game.

AWM said it hoped that more businesses might adopt the Harper and Simmons approach.

Richard Hutchins, the agency's Corporate Director for Economic Development, who presented Mr Simmons with his award, said: "The region should have more businesses like yourselves.

"You invest in staff, you pay them well and this pays off. I hope that you continue to invest as you are and spread the word to other businesses."

The main sponsors of The Birmingham Post Business Awards are Intercity Mobile Communications and Churchill Vintners in association with Champagne Taittinger.

British Airways and Aston Business School provide further support, along with Biz-tv, part of Aston Media at Aston University, which produces a business video of each monthly winner valued at £2,500.

Warwickshire County Cricket Club is providing a private box for one of its day/night games next season and Yorkshire Bank sponsors the award luncheon.