A BASINGSTOKE-HEADQUARTERED computer company has gone into a class of its own by being named Distributor of the Year for the fifth time.

Computer 2000, which is based at Intec, achieved a feat that no other company has ever done in any of the categories in the Channel Awards, backed by the trade publication Computer Reseller News.

The Basingstoke distributor, which has more than 450 staff and annual sales of around £750million, represents all the leading computer product vendors including Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Cisco and IBM.

Managing director Julian Klein said: "Winning the award this year is particularly satisfying as market conditions have been very difficult and competition strong."

He added: "We are tremendously proud and pleased with this achievement. It is an award for everyone at Computer 2000 and recognition of all their hard work and dedication to duty.

"Customers have always come first at Computer 2000 and the fact that our customers have, once again, voted us the best in the business is very gratifying indeed."

The awards come at a time when the IT industry, which employs thousands of people in the Thames Valley and Hampshire, is hoping to see a revival in economic fortunes.

Mr Klein (above) said: "We intend to build on this achievement as the economy recovers and spending on IT systems begins to rise again.

"In the months ahead, we see many opportunities for Computer 2000 as an organisation and for the people who make us what we are."

Mr Klein praised his staff and business partners, and added: "It's our customers who have really given this award to Computer 2000 - and all the others that we have won over the years. They are the lifeblood of our business and we are very grateful for the continued business."

He pledged: "We will go on striving to meet all their needs and deliver the very best distribution service in the business."