The Oxfordshire Business Awards are as diverse as the companies which enter them and range from small, high-tech operators to large manufacturers.

And even the most traditional businesses are recognised with family firm FWP Matthews a good example.

The flour producer based at Shipton Under Wychwood still operates from its original mill opened in 1912 but proudly displays the Growing Business Award for 2006 on its wall.

Joint managing director Paul Matthews said: "It has been an important recognition for a long-established family business in a rural location.

"We won this category despite competition from computer and science companies and it has meant a lot to the staff and to customers and suppliers."

The company, founded in the 1860s by Mr Matthews' great, great grandfather, Frederick, has enjoyed impressive growth recently and now employs 33 people, boasting a turnover of £8m last year.

It has diversified to produce not just conventional flour but organic and also imports French flours for the production of continental bakery products.

Mr Matthews added: "We have had some very good feedback and generated a lot of publicity.

"I would definitely recommend people to enter and we might even have another go in a different category!"