FIRST class customer care, professionalism and friendly service all ring true for the three local firms that have been named as the winners of the West Somerset Free Press Business Awards competition for 2015.

Steve Bailey of Canine Crusades in Williton won the Men in Business category, while Minehead entrepreneur Viv Doyle of Express Euro was voted as the winner of the Women In Business section.

Local funeral director Hedley Price saw his business win the Families in Business award.

Steve specialises in canine behaviour and psychology, as well as dog training and had a passion for correcting behavioural problems in dogs.

He believes that owners can often assume training problems are to blame for their pets’ faults when really they should be focusing on their dog’s natural instincts and reinforcing good behaviour through positive techniques.

His customers said he truly understood the needs of their dogs, was reliable, professional and dedicated to his work.

One satisfied customer, Alison Baker, of Dulverton, said: “I was coming to the end of my tether with 11 dogs in the house and two wasted visits from other behaviourists.

“Steve has been working with me and the dogs for a few weeks and I have learnt so much from him and am now successfully managing my pack – I call him my Fairy Godmother!”

It was a hat-trick for Women in Business winner Viv who has scooped the title for three years running.

Viv moved to Minehead in 1986 and ran the Tranmere Guest House for 13 years.

Her company, Express Euro, buys and sells commission-free currency and customers praised her for the great rates and friendly service.

The business is based in the same building as Lyn Financial Services and the Yorkshire Building Society Agency, which Viv also manages

Customer Maggie Pumphrey of Bicknoller said: “Viv is always extremely helpful and does all she can to meet the needs of her customers, offering a reliable and helpful service.”

And it was second time lucky for Hedley Price Funeral Directors, who won the Family in Business accolade for the second year in a row.

The independent company is owned by Hedley and Audrey and covers the whole West Somerset area from its base in Mart Road, Minehead.

The firm has its own dedicated chapel of rest and can offer woodland burials as well as more conventional services.

It prides itself on its professional and sensitive service and was noted for its compassion and attention to detail by customers.

Hannah Bryant of Watchet thanked Hedley’s staff for showing such kindness during a difficult time for her and her family.

Ellen Duffy of Carhampton added: “This firm shows compassion and professionalism at a difficult time for people – first class people and service.”

Numerous businesses from across the district were up for honours, with the winners decided purely on the number of votes received from Free Press readers.

People were asked to fill out a nomination form detailing why they believed their chosen nominee should win an award – with all three winners receiving glowing praise from their customers.

This year’s competition was once again sponsored by Watchet Glass and Glazing Ltd, with support from Francis James.

The winners were presented with their awards by Free Press advertising executives Bernie McLoughlin and Ray Hall.