SOUTHERN Electric Contracting has been named one of the best large building firms in the country.

SEC, which has offices in Faraday Road, Dorcan, won the Major Mechanical and Electrical Contractor of the Year category in the Building Services Awards.

This category was open to firms with an annual turnover of more than £50 million. Entrants had to show a high-standard of work that was finished on time.

SEC, which has been the most profitable electrical contractor in the UK for four of the past five years, was also runner-up in three other categories Safety and Health Initiative, Major Project of the year, and Best Office Building of the Year.

Chief executive Bob Hall said: "The Building Services Awards are well respected within the industry.

"This achievement will give us valuable exposure and further strengthen SEC's position."

In total it employs 3,000 people from 43 offices.

The glitttering presentation was held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London with Mr Hall receiving his award from television impressionist Rory Bremner.