Business men and women from around Norton Radstock have been rewarded for their efforts over the past year.

The Federation of Small Businesses Bath branch held its second annual awards ceremony at Bath's Guildhall on Friday, and Norton Radstock businesses scooped many of the prizes.

This year's event saw 10 awards presented to family firms and independent traders from across B&NES.

Radstock butcher Paul Loader won the Gold Award for best business in Bath and North East Somerset for his shop which he opened just over a decade ago.

The 42-year-old has won about 45 awards for his food over the past 10 years but this year was the first time he was presented with an award for his business acumen.

Mr Loader said: "This is excellent for the business. I've been a butcher all my life and I started my own business from scratch.

"This award gives people confidence in the business."

Mr Loader's business also won the retailer of the year category which was introduced for the first time this year.

Newcomer The Thoughtful Bread Company, which bakes in Holcombe was presented with the title for best environmental responsibility programme.

Founder Duncan Glendinning was also presented with the award for young entrepreneur of the year. Priston-based Sash Window Consultancy won the award for most innovative company, packing firm Blisters Ltd took home the title for best website for the online side of the company, which is based in Midsomer Norton, and Shirley Bartlett won a Highly Commended in the Best Micro Business for Shiral Tea Rooms, located within Fred Bartlett's Studio on Midsomer Norton High Street.

National Federation of Small Businesses chairman John Wright presented the best business in B&NES award and said small businesses are going to be Britain's salvation in coming out of the recession.

Mr Wright said: "Small businesses can do wonderful things with small amounts of money and a tremendous amount of effort. It is a hard life but we do it because we want to be in charge and fulfil what we genuinely believe in.

"A lot of the winners tonight had that dream that they could succeed and that is the important thing about entrepreneurs, they will not give up and they will try, try and try again."

FSB Bath branch chairwoman Angela Ladd said small business are run by people who have had a big idea and believe in something.

She said: "Small businesses bond with each other and they are a part of the community.

"These past 12 months have presented a challenge to many small businesses within B&NES.

"Many have stumbled, some have sadly fallen but the majority regained their footing, realigned their priorities and built on their strengths.

"In some cases their businesses are even stronger than they were a year ago.

"The FSB is proud to have provided support to many of these entrepreneurs with seminars, workshops and networking opportunities."