A MATFEN tourist attraction has been named among the best in the country at a prestigious awards ceremony.

Go Ape, which has a site in Matfen, was named the customer focus award winner at the 2015 Lloyds Bank National Business Awards.

The company received the plaudit at a special gala dinner in London, which featured astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Prime Minister David Cameron as guest speakers.

The customer focus award recognises those constantly striving to exceed customer expectations, industry leading standards of service, and innovation around customer experience.

The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards judges said: “Go Ape goes the extra mile when it comes to customer focus - they demonstrate strong ethics, excellent financials, continued innovation and a high level of commitment to delivering great experiences for their customers, or rather adventurous apes!”

Go Ape operates 56 sites across the UK, offering tree top adventures, forest segway experiences, tree top junior courses and a new zip trekking adventure.

Go Ape’s Tristram Mayhew said: “The National Business Awards are like the Oscars for enterprise.

“It’s a good discipline to strive to be the best you can be, and the judging criteria really helps us focus on what we can do better.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about learning how we can look after our customers better.

“That said, winning is tree-mendous!”

Over 1,200 business leaders, entrepreneurs, politicians and media representatives gathered at the Grosvenor House Hotel for the 14th annual national business awards.

The awards were presented by Ian King and Poppy Trowbridge from Sky News and welcomed former astronaut and second man on the moon, Buzz Aldrin as headline speaker.

The Prime Minister opened proceedings at the ceremony with a message for this year’s finalists.

He told the audience: “I want to take this opportunity to say a huge thank you on behalf of the whole country, for all that you’re doing to create jobs and growth in Britain.

“Tonight we celebrate all that you’re doing, from your leadership in digital and innovation, to the Duke of York’s new award for university entrepreneurship. These awards are rightly the Oscars of great British business.

“The awards recognise people who have the guts to strike out on their own, who have the tenacity to work hard for every deal and who have the innovation and vision that lets you grow your business and take new people on.

“It’s people like you who are making this the most entrepreneurial and dynamic period in our country’s recent history. So thank you again for all you’re doing.”

The finalists were judged on their achievements as business leaders over the last 18 months, and their personal achievements in the course of their career.

Tom Broughton, programme director for the Lloyds Bank National Business Awards, said: “We were delighted to host yet another successful gala dinner ceremony celebrating the full spectrum of British Business in 2015.

“The Lloyds Bank National Business Awards are the accolade of choice for those seeking the highest recognition.

“This year’s winners demonstrate the quality and diversity of businesses driving economic growth in the UK.”

For more information or to find out how to register your business for the 2016 National Business Awards, visit www.nationalbusinessawards.co.uk