A business which makes emission-free fuel for cars, motorcycles and aircraft has been named Company of the Year at the Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2013.
Intelligent Energy, of Loughborough, took the top honour at last night's event, at De Montfort Hall, which was attended by about 600 guests and recognised the most innovative and inspiring companies in Leicestershire.
Winners were chosen across 11 other categories, including an award for manufacturing and a Newcomer of the Year Award.
Founded by academics at Loughborough University 15 years ago, Intelligent Energy makes emission-free fuels cells for vehicles.
It has worked with the likes of Peugeot, Suzuki and Boeing to develop zero-emission vehicles, including a fleet of black cabs which emit only pure water and were introduced on to the streets of London last year.
Leicester Mercury editor Richard Bettsworth said: "Intelligent Energy is a shining example of innovation which is not only flying the flag for Leicestershire businesses, but also helping to create a cleaner energy future for all of us.
"It's wonderful to see the work they have done and we are really pleased they have won this award."
The company employs 225 people at its office in Holywell Park, Loughborough, and 75 in the United States and Japan.
A total of 120 businesses entered the business awards and a panel of independent judges had the difficult task of drawing up a shortlist of three finalists in each category.
Mr Bettsworth said: "We are very proud to be able to put on these awards, which have attracted a variety of superb entrants and have showcased the enormous strength of businesses in Leicestershire.''
The awards were sponsored by De Montfort University, Freeth Cartwright and RSM Tenon and were held in association with Champions UK.
The other winners were: Guidance Navigation, for the Export Award and the Science and Technology Award; Douglas Wemyss Solicitors, for the Small Business Award; Bulb Studios for the Innovation Award; Raynsway Properties, for the Heart of the Community Award and Alltruck for the Human Resources Award.
The Services Award was won by Edward Hands and Lewis; the manufacturing award was won by Tru Frame; the not-for-profit award was won by Leicestershire Cares; the Sales and Marketing Award was won by Rainbows hospice. The Newcomer of the Year award went to Eco Track & Access.
See Tuesday's paper for our special Leicester Mercury Business Awards 2013 supplement.
