Record breaker

PDS Engineering specialises in precision engineering contracts for companies such as Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems, GE and Westland Helicopters, and is also known for its prototype engineering.

But the company has a growing reputation for its involvement in a series of high-profile world record attempts.

John said: "The world record attempts are a marketing tool for us. It's about going for challenges with a can-do attitude and by having that attitude people take notice of us, as this award shows.

"In doing the world record attempts we have got to be good to be able to do what we say we can do.

"But fortunately in Lancashire we have some of the best engineers in the world."

The company's world record involvement all began with Richard Noble's Thrust SSC, which broke the sound barrier to claim the world land-speed record back in 1997. The company was asked to solve some engineering problems and John became part of the team and was in Arizona when Thrust set the 850mph-plus record.

The company's reputation spread and John started working on Richard Branson's hot-air balloon exploits and is now part of the engineering team with the North West's very own rocket man Steve Bennett.

The walls of John's office are covered with certificates for engineering excellence.

He even showed off his marketing skills when collecting the award - unfurling a banner which advertised for staff as he took to the stage.

After collecting the award John paid tribute to his team of workers.

He said: "It's not for me, it's for the guys.

"I know I have got the award but there are a lot of bodies back at work who have put the work in and they deserve the award.

"We have a wonderful time at work.

"When you consider we have got 16-year-olds working for our company who have participated in three world record attempts it's brilliant.

"We want it to be a pleasure to come to work, and they love going to work, they really do.

"I guarantee there will be a big celebration after this."