AN engineering company has been voted the North-East's top inner city business.

Automation and electrical engineering expert MCE plc, is handling export orders from 21 countries from its base at Preston Farm, Stockton, where it employ 230 people.

Formed in 1994, the company recorded a 494 per cent increase in turnover between 1997 and 2001 and clinched an Inner City award for business which has achieved the highest increased in turnover over a four-year period.

Other North-East winners in the Inner City 100 inc- luded Brambles Foods of Middlesbrough, Bill Goff Golf Tours and the Punjab Kitchen, both of South Tyneside and Statex Colour Print, Newcastle.