Olympic Gold medallist Sally Gunnell helped toast a recruitment consultancy’s prize in the “Celebrating Excellence in Essex” Business Awards recently.

Atrium Resources received the runner-up award for the Shining Through category last month after overcoming extreme circumstances to start their business.

The award was presented to Ian Holmes in a Black Tie Awards Ceremony at the Five Lakes Hotel & Country Club, Maldon, Essex.

Holmes has run Atrium Resources which specialises in facilities and property management with his wife Nichola since June 2002.

The couple overcame problems with the birth of second daughter Nola, who was born in December 2002 and was in and out of hospital for the next six months.

Holmes said: “There were over 200 companies nominated in all, so we are thrilled to do so well. To be acknowledged for the challenges I’ve overcome to make our business succeed, is a great boost for me.

“I hope this encourages and inspires anyone thinking of setting up their own business.”