A Carlisle-based business has taken the Small Family Business of the Year title at this year’s national Family Business of the Year awards.

K&S McKenzie have was founded back in 1968 and is currently run by brothers - and second-generation - Stuart and Alastair McKenzie.

Over 50 years later, they are one of the most well-respected motor factors in the North West supplying a large range of products across the UK.

Stuart McKenzie was delighted to accept the award, adding that; “It is a fantastic achievement to win this award. I learnt from my father the value of seizing opportunity, having a fantastic supply and distribution chain, and importantly on never swaying from the values and focus on service that formed the foundation of this business all those years ago.

"It is this that drives us forward, builds our customer base, and makes us more than just a motor factor.”

Stuart added: “Winning this award is such a huge honour and is dedicated to each and every member of our team who has worked tirelessly over the past year, and every year preceding it. We are such a proud family business and couldn’t succeed without the support of our people and our customers.”

Paul Andrews, founder of Family Business United and organiser of the awards, concluded: “Family businesses are the engine room of the UK economy and these awards celebrate their contribution.

"This award in particular seeks to recognise the outstanding contribution of a small family business."