BUSINESSES in Wellington have had a terrific year in 2015, says the town’s business association.

Three have won major national awards, Swallowfield has seen its share price reach a five-year high and many companies are looking to recruit extra staff and expand in 2016.

“There’s a buoyancy and optimism in the town’s economy that hasn’t been seen for a long time,” said Keith Wheatley, chairman of Wellington Business Association (WBA).

Wellington Motors, the Renault and Nissan dealer at Chelston, won a UK top three award from Nissan. “We’re thrilled to receive this global award as it’s only presented where there is an exceptional standard of service across all areas of a business,” said managing director Michael Finn.

Potters butchers won a best in UK award for sausages, Chris Potter taking the Champion of Champions award at the meat trade’s annual competition in London.

Chris, who won with his own recipe for a pork, turkey and cranberry sausage, said he was ‘speechless’ at learning he had won the UK title after the same sausage won the South-West award last year.

Sainsbury’s named K S Coles as its Agricultural Supplier of the Year. The Coles, who grow and pack vegetables at Chelston House Farm, were attending the national Sainsbury’s farm conference when their award was announced.

“We were totally gob-smacked,” said director Paul Coles. “We are overwhelmed by this. We supply fresh garden peas, broad beans and swedes to Sainsbury’s, which is one of our biggest customers.”

Swallowfield’s share price has been hitting the £2 mark recently, almost double the level of 12 months ago. This year has seen the cosmetics and grooming manufacturer launch its own brands in China and increase its sales to major customers such as Next.

Relyon has banners dotted around the town looking for extra staff at its bed factory, while Rigid, the packaging company that took on the former Co-op warehouse, is looking for 30 more people in the New Year. And in mid-2016 the new psychiatric unit at Chelston will be recruiting about 225 staff.

“Business activity in the Wellington area is back to pre-2008 levels and with many more jobs in the town. It’s a very healthy outlook,” said Keith Wheatley.