Altrincham-based franchise business, Sim Trava, has this week been named Family Business of the Year in the Federation of Small Business’ (FSB) Greater Manchester and North Cheshire Awards.

The £10.1 million Costa Coffee franchisee, run by husband and wife team Simon and Tracy Vardy, fought off competition from seven other businesses from the region to pick up the accolade in the inaugural ceremony.

Judges cited Sim Trava’s knowledge of its competition, its recent refinancing deal, strong financial growth, and commitment to its staff as just some of the reasons it was selected.

The award, presented in The Hilton in Manchester, is the business’ second in as many weeks, having picked up the Costa Coffee Partner of the Year honour just last week – which recognises top performing Costa franchise partners for their contribution to the brand.

The recognition comes following a successful year for Sim Trava, in which it has expanded its apprenticeship programme and training Academy, opened four new stores, and grown its turnover to £10.1 million in 2015, from £8.3 million in 2014.

Tracy Vardy, director at Sim Trava, is grateful for an extremely busy period of growth for our business this year and we’re thrilled to have this hard work recognised with winning Family Business of the Year with FSB.

She adds, ‘The accolades we’ve secured over the past couple of weeks are testament to the hard work of the entire team here at Sim Trava, without whom we couldn’t have dreamed of having the success we’ve had over the past few years.’

Sim Trava now employs over 300 people across the North West and North East.