A businessman received a well earned birthday present last week when his company were awarded the title of Independent Consultant of the Year 2012.

The day after his 31st birthday, Shamir Jiwa, the founder and managing director of Maxim Eyes, collected a trophy at the Energy Buying and Supplying Excellence Awards 2012.

Maxim Eyes is an energy and communication consultancy that began seven years ago in a two bedroom apartment; it is now based on Sutton High Street and employs 26 people.

Mr Jiwa said: “We are very pleased and so amazed with the way our application was taken on board.”

“This is an accumulation of seven years; we did not want to be the biggest but the best and now we have been recognised. It is all down to a team effort.”

“For me what has always been important is to give exceptional service- we’ve often sacrificed profit to do the right thing for our clients.

“We are always trying to find a balance between morals and business. We go home and put our head on the pillow, knowing we’ve done the right thing.”

On Friday they were visited by Paul Burstow, Sutton and Cheam MP and minister for care services, who congratulated them on their achievement: "The energy business need more entrepreneurs like Shamir Jiwa.

This award is a recognition of his determination to offer his customers a truly bespoke service that impacts on the bottom line."