Seven award-winning Essex companies have been praised for their innovative ideas and good business practice.

Alexandra Uhlmann, of Ashridge Business School, was speaking at a Celebrating Business dinner attended by representatives of the Essex firms.

They included Flakt Wood, of Colchester, Boddington's, of Maldon, Beautimatic, of Witham, and Be ... Healthy and Beautiful, of Newport.

The dinner was organised by Go-East of the Department of Trade and Industry for the eastern region.

The award winners had won their awards from a variety of sponsors.

Published Wednesday December 22, 2004