DAVE Jones, managing director of Burnley-based Veka, was overwhelmed with joy after clinching the Deal of the Year Award.

He said the company had safeguarded jobs in Burnley and created 100 new positions thanks to the acquisition of Bowater Building Products in the West Midlands last June.

The combined business, with a workforce of more than 500 staff and a turnover of about £80million, is one of the largest window systems companies in the UK.

Work is ongoing to construct a multi-million pound mixing plant, to stand alongside a state-of-the-art £10million warehouse complex, under the stewardship of supply chain director Shane Gray, who made the move north following the Bowater takeover, and former aerospace boss Graham Fitton, as finance director.

Mr Jones was overcome with emotion after he was handed the award, sponsored by Deloitte. He said: “I can’t believe we have done it. I’ve worked on this for three years and I'm just so overwhelmed, I really am.

“We saved a lot of jobs in Burnley and created over 100 new jobs. It’s fantastic and great for us.

“We’ve got £10.5million investment in a new plant, which we have just got sanctioned. We’re going from strength to strength. We’re buzzing.”

And he dedicated the accolade to the employees who he described as ‘'great people’ to work with.

He said: “I’m dead lucky because I work with great people in Burnley.”

Brand manager Rebecca Mayhew said: “The deal was an exciting event during a great year for VEKA. We also celebrated our 25th anniversary of manufacturing in the UK, a feat which few other window systems companies can boast.

“We have never rested on our laurels though and are renowned for ongoing investment and development in our product range.”