With input from the major distributors - Mark Dowland, Harry Mason, Ivan Steele, Tim Millinder, Charlie Mill, Peter Edwards and Ian Cooke - a number of companies made the original list.

The number was pared down a shortlist of three - Yacht Parts, Aladdins Cave and Mailspeed Marine, with Simon Relph's company emerging a clear winner.

"We have a very strong team at Mailspeed now, " said managing director Relph, "and this is for all the guys and girls who continue to work so hard for the company."

Relph started the company in 1982 from a small chandlery shop in Manchester. During its 22 year history Mailspeed Marine has grown to become one of the UK's leading chandleries, with stores in Cheshire and Essex and a thriving mail order and website business.

Our picture shows Relph receiving the award from Boating Business advertisement manager, Lorraine Curtis.