A BUSINESS is celebrating after its sales director won a top franchise industry of the year award.

James Marshall, 25, who works at Bang and Olufsen, in the Square, Winchester, was presented with the prestigious trophy at the company’s gala dinner in Copenhagen, Denmark.

He also received a Bang and Olufsen speaker worth £1,000.

James was one of five shortlisted from 150 salespeople and 50 stores across the UK and Ireland.

The major accolade comes on the back of another successful trading year placing the business in the top five of all UK Bang and Olufsen stores, including those based in London.

James said: “I was genuinely surprised. I’ve been trying so hard to win this for many years and all the hard work eventually paid off.

“It’s always such tough competition as it’s across the whole of the UK and Ireland.”

James Simons, Bang and Olufsen area retail manager, UK and Ireland, said: “James consistently exceeded all of the targets and goals he was set and stretched himself to outperform as much as possible.

“He is a credit to Bang & Olufsen and his company. All salespeople would do well to aspire to reach the levels of performance and dedication shown by him.”