IT'S a juicy challenge, but a tough one. Can UK Juicers of Acaster Malbis keep the two titles in won last year - the Evening Press e-commerce Business of the Year and Growth Business of the Year?

Remember UK Juicers? That was the venture started by Nick Ledger as a result of being so impressed with the sudden cure of his ulcerative colitis by using juicers.

Now he and his uncle, fellow director Paul Hellawell, as well as his mother, Cynthia, have established their firm as one of the largest "e-tailers" selling juicers in the UK, and are pitching to make it one of the largest distributors,

In the process turnover has exceeded expectations, topping the £1 million mark with pre-tax profits expected to be more than £110,000.

With product expansion and a growing distribution network the company is rapidly outgrowing its 1,800 sq ft warehouse/office at Acaster Malbis. They have taken on an adjoining unit, but are now looking for larger premises in a broadband area. The company has stayed on an awardwinning streak, scooping the Best Natural Lifestyle Company title in the Here's Health Natural Awards 2004. Can it beat off all challengers in this year's Evening Press Business of the Year Awards again?

Updated: 11:30 Monday, August 09, 2004