SHEPHERD NEAME has been highly commended in the Business Success category of the JPMorgan Family Business Honours 2005.

The country's oldest brewer, which is based in Faversham, was judged on its consistent financial performance, high standards of board practice and track record for innovation.

Shepherd Neame was selected from more than 100 entrants in the only nationwide awards recognising family business success. The judging panel consisted of family business owners, scholars and former winners of the awards.

Shepherd Neame’s former chairman and chief executive, father and son, Robert and Jonathan Neame attended a gala dinner to collect their trophy.

Jonathan Neame said: "This is excellent news for the brewery and pays tribute to the Shepherd Neame success story of 30 years of consecutive profit growth. We operate with a considered combination of family values and traditions along with entrepreneurship and innovation; both in our brewing and in our pubs."

The Business Success category was aimed at family firms which have achieved a strong market position in a product or service. Companies nominated came from diverse markets such as stockbroking, women’s clothing, timber production, oil and gas distribution and even the production of survival gear.

Senior banker at JPMorgan, Chris Hancock, said: "In our search for excellent family firms we have discovered that some of the UK’s most dynamic, profitable and responsible companies are to be found in family hands."