The company was singled out by the Variety Club for its maintained concentration on innovation.

First there was the Avon Dry-Wall Beam (winner of the Queen's Award for Enterprise) then the Avon Solar Control sun-shading system (conceived in line with the Government's sustainable development programme) and now the revolutionary ABLE Facade System - an off-site constructed, pre-glazed walling system designed to withstand the impact of a terrorist bomb-blast.

This lightweight, enhanced system has already landed Alumet two Ministry of Defence contracts totalling £6.2million and enquiries are flooding in.

Due to security regulations full details of the ABLE system remain a closely guarded secret, however once installed the 'new' wall can be clad in a variety of Alumet's cladding options, thus the finished building looks no different from any other commercial property and does not cry out 'concrete bunker' like traditional concrete and reinforced steel constructions.

Alumet director Dean Walton said: "We are pleased that our efforts in research and development have been recognised at the highest level.

“Alumet now see innovation as no longer just an option but a necessity to stay ahead of our competitors.

“We have established a reputation for innovation and we will continue to develop new solutions to form the envelope for modern day buildings.“

Alumet's diversity has seen turnover double over the last three years and is expected to reach £25million in 2008.

The company is currently employing more local staff, extending its Southam manufacturing facilities and building a new in-house training centre for staff.

Staff and guests had a great night at the awards and on collecting the magnificent trophy managing director Gary Summers asked Angela Rippon for a dance (a la Morecambe and Wise).

She duly obliged and the audience were in hysterics as Angela and Gary 'waltzed' around the stage.

Our picture shows some of he Alumet team at the Variety Club awards.

www.alumet.co.uk