This was the first time that the company had entered the competition, and in winning the Brand Builder of the Year award, Havant-based SUMO beat off stiff competition from Antal International Network, Greenthumb UK, and VIP Bin Cleaning who were also nominated in this category.

Mr Bushell, who admitted to being both `stunned and thrilled` to receive the award, said: “When we launched SUMO as a franchise we knew that the only way to build brand recognition was to invest heavily in marketing, and that has provided us with real business growth and a platform on which to further our expansion plans.

“We have also built an excellent relationship with our franchisees, and needless to say they were absolutely delighted to hear that we had won the Brand Builder award,” he said SUMO made its mark in 2005, becoming a leading brand in underground utility location, the largest supplier of ground penetrating radar services, and the fastest growing utility mapping provider in the UK.

Since its launch in 2002, the company has built a network of 13 franchises, with at least seven more scheduled for this year. Network turnover for the current year is predicted to exceed £2 million, while franchisor turnover is approaching £1,000,000.

This success has been achieved through a combination of pioneering technology and a consistent brand approach. Brand development initiatives have included the creation of a strong image and colour scheme, the maintenance of brand integrity throughout the business, from stationery to vehicle livery and safety gear, and the creation of an effective, centralised marketing strategy.

The development of the SUMO mark out and utility mapping services has given the company two products that are new to the construction industry, securing them a unique market position which they have promoted to the advantage of the entire network.

Express Newspapers’ business advertising manager Yvette Taylor said: “The breadth and quality of all the finalists in this year’s awards have been extremely impressive but the judges felt SUMO adopted a highly focused and professional approach to building a brand from the outset, with their success clearly demonstrated by their presence and profile within their chosen marketplace so early on in their development.”