THREE different businesses claimed the customer and staff care award at Friday night’s Wiltshire Business Awards.

In the under 10 employees category, Bratton-based Busy Books, were the best of the rest, in the 10-50 employees it was Bewley and Merrett Funeral Directors and for over 50 employees, Swindon’s Bus Company rounded off the award.

Each winner strode proudly up to the stage to get presented their respective awards by sponsor recruitment firm Mainline Employment.

The category commended nominees for the communication skills of the business, its development and training, how staff development has improved the organisation and reward and recognition for staff and customers.

Natasha Penny, of Busy Books, said: “This is about the customers and staff, we wouldn’t be here without them. There are just four of us but they are exceptional at what they do.

“It is great to be here to support other great businesses in Wiltshire. There is a lot of excellence in this room tonight and it is great to be part of that.”

Aaron Bewley, of the Chippenham, Corsham and Melksham-based funeral directors, added: “This is such an unexpected honour. The team we have are just fantastic. They deal daily with families and individuals in such a superb way, I am so proud of them all.”

Paul Loyne, of Swindon’s Bus Company, said: “Who would have thought this hey? We are going through a culture change at the moment but I firmly believe that we can deliver a better service in the future. I want to thank all those people who voted for us.

“This is vindication for all the hard work we put in. This is really the icing on the cake.”

Busy Books deals with bookkeeping, accounts, vat, self assessment tax returns, administration, construction industry scheme, payroll, start ups, business advice and support.

Other nominees included An Apple A day Supply, Beauty Boutique, C4s-Seach, Charles S Winchcombe and Sons Funeral Directors, Bechtle, Complete I.T and Forrester Sylvester and Mackett.