A Mid Wales car company has fought off competition from 7,500 other firms to be named one of the top 25 in the UK.

Cobra UK, based in Welshpool, will now battle it out with 400 European companies for a Ruban d’Honneur, with the winners being unveiled in Paris on November 16.

The automotive car parts producer was honoured at a ceremony in London last week and will now be representing the UK in the finals of the European Business Awards – now in its fourth year and sponsored by HSBC.

The awards have identified some of Europe’s brightest businesses, based on their ability to demonstrate innovation, business excellence and sustainability.

Gary Searle, Cobra managing director, said he was delighted with the recognition.

He said: “We are absolutely thrilled to be selected to represent the United Kingdom and it’s an honour to be recognised as one of the leading organisations in our country and in our field.

“The European Business Awards is widely recognised as the showcase for Europe’s most dynamic companies. We’re looking forward to the next round of the competition.”

Adrian Tripp, CEO of the European Business Awards said: “Over 7,500 companies have been engaged and it really is an exceptional accolade to be picked as a country representative.”