The winner of the Small Business category at the EDP Business Awards 2017 has rapidly grown from a home operation to a sales business spanning the globe.

Marine Teak, which is based at its warehouse in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft, identified an opportunity in the boating furniture market and has efficiently exploited it.

The firm beat Norfolk boatbuilder Neil Thompson Boats and Witton-based NU Image design agency to win the prize.

The category, which is sponsored by accountancy firm Farnell Clarke, recognises the region's best companies with under £1m turnover.

Marine Teak imports and distributes a range of wooden tables for boats and also provides bespoke products for customers.

Managing director Luke Smith said: 'We don't do anything tremendously different but what we do, we do incredibly well.

'We were really disappointed to be runner-up last year and it really pushed us on so to win this year is fantastic.'

Marine Teak sells 250 products a month, which range in price from £89 to £549, around the globe and the firm has progressed from a small operation at owners Mr Smith and Claire Gooda's home to 5,300 sq ft premises.

The judges said: 'Marine Teak has recently employed a digital specialist to leverage the growing social media and online opportunities that the current environment presents. This combined with further product development and diversification suggest the future is bright for the company.'