All 18 invitees had been nominated by their colleagues as part of Lambert Smith Hampton's 'National Recognition Scheme' during 2014.

The dinner was hosted by CEO Ezra Nahome and the other members of the company's Operating Board.

Lawrence Slater, from the St Albans public sector team, was crowned the overall winner. Sarah Smyth, from the company's London office, and Northampton-based Holly Baker were runners up.

Ezra Nahome said: "Our people are instrumental in delivering our ambitious growth plans over the next few years, which is why we are committed to investing in them and recognising their achievements.

"The awards dinner is one of a number of ways we celebrate the success of our people throughout the year.  It was particularly encouraging to see people nominated from across our offices and divisions, demonstrating the strength in depth that we are able to provide clients.

"We've achieved a great deal over the past 12 months and I'm confident that we will continue to collectively build on this success in 2015."

The 'National Recognition Scheme' winners are:

• Holly Baker, Northampton
• Sara Barnbrook, Leeds
• Dorothy Berkeley, London
• Tom Brown, Manchester
• Ian Davidson, Edinburgh
• Russell Davies, Sheffield
• Robin Dickens, Fareham
• Heather Doherty, Belfast
• John Henley, Leeds
• Ivan Moore, Northampton
• Claire Norris, Manchester
• Laura Parry, Oxford
• James Paterson, Glasgow
• Lawrence Slater, St Albans
• Mike Smith, Leicester
• Sarah Smyth, London
• Chris Taylor, Manchester
• Natalie Wikiel, London