NORTH Tawon-based distribution and logistics company, Gregory Distribution Limited (GDL) and its subsidiary Kay Transport Limited has been recognised as the West of England Business of the Year 2010, in the annual awards organized by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC).

The award was presented at a gala dinner held in Bristol last week.

GDL chief executive, John Gregory, said: 'We are absolutely delighted to be recognised in this way by our peers.

'It is an endorsement of our business model and our plans for the future but more important than this is the very real recognition it gives to all our staff whose hard work and commitment have made this award a reality.'

GDL beat off challenges from major regional business including Avon Rubber Plc, Fine Tubes Ltd, Gooch and Housego Plc and Smiths News Plc providing evidence of the company's financial performance, service innovation, business management, training, future prospects and contribution to the region.

GDL employs more than 1,000 people within the West Country and operates over 450 vehicles.

The third generation, family-owned and managed transport and logistics business offers customised warehousing and distribution services across many industry sectors and numbers many regional and national companies among its customers.

GDL recently launched Team Gregory, a sponsorship package for five Westcountry based Olympic medal prospects.

Tavistock's Olympic silver medallist, modern pentathlete Heather Fell and the UK's top pistol shooter Gorgs Geikie from South Tawton are included and feature on some of GDL's many trailers, seen all over the UK.