IT was a giggling duo of Nicola Gregory and Jo Lee who collected the “Winner of Winners” trophy for their company, Gordon Rhodes & Son.

The company had scooped Manufacturer of the Year earlier in the evening.

The sheer determination to literally rise from ashes had astounded the judges after the business suffered a devastating fire at its spice and seasoning manufacturing premises last year.

Jo Lee, who works in marketing and communications with the company said: “To be perfectly honest we are blown away to win.

“To get the manufacturing award was brilliant, but this, winner of winners, and in front of so many of the district’s top businesses, is absolutely amazing. I can’t stop smiling.

“Ian Rhodes, the managing director and the rest of the family will be thrilled. Everyone has worked so hard to build the business back up after the fire, but it shows what hard work and commitment can do.

“Everyone pulled together. We really want to thank our customers too for sticking with us and all the staff who went above and beyond so the company could get back on its feet.”

Gordon Rhodes & Son is a third generation family independent seasoning manufacturer established in 1979.

From inception through five factory sites, and even following the devastating fire in August last year the business continues to operate out of temporary premises in Bradford until planning permission is granted to reinstate the factory on its original site at Chase Way.

The company designs, develops and blends culinary and functional ingredients for the meat, fish, bakery, ready meal and retail industries whose customer base ranges from small independents retail outlets through to large processors nationally and internationally.

With award-winning products Gordon Rhodes and Son continues to innovate, diversify and reinvest to remain at the forefront of manufacturing and delivering the finest selection of seasonings, fine food ingredients and retail products.