Timber importer AJ Smith and Son (Benfleet) Ltd beat off strong competition – including that from media companies – to win another business award for its use of internet technology.

The company, which now has a successful internet division – AJS Web Design – which creates websites for other organisations, won the e-business category at an Essex Business Awards ceremony.

The competition judge said he was particularly impressed by the fact that AJ Smith is part of an old traditional trade yet is very successful at using the latest internet technology.