The secret is out about which firms won the MEN Business of the Year Awards.

In the high-earning bracket, Vimto and PZ Cussons celebrated success at the Midland Hotel in Manchester.

The accolade for companies in the £50 million plus category could not have come at a better time for Vimto.

It is celebrating its 100 years since it was set up by John Nichols in Manchester who first marketed the drink as a health tonic, reported the Manchester Evening News.

Meanwhile the Stockport-based brains behind brands Imperial Leather, Original Source and Carex soap, PZ Cussons also clinched an award in the £50 million plus category.

It is expanding by building a £26 million new factory and research centre in Salford and relocating its headquarters to Manchester Business Park.

Winner of the £25 - £50 million category was Manchester-based IT security company the NCC Group.

Cheshire wound care firm Advanced Medical Solutions, which has recently broke the US market, won best company in the £10- £25 million bracket.

While Manchester-based web hosting firm UKFast scored in the under £10 million section.

Finally, young business of the year went to a company set up by two businessmen who met at ante-natal classes Giles Harridge and John Smith.

Altrincham's Getting Personal is an internet gift retailer set up by the pair.