The Cowley-based Unipart Group of Companies was voted one of the six most forward-looking companies in the UK.

The Vision 100 index was compiled by BT and Cranfield School of Management and recognises 100 companies that have proven unique and exceptional vision in one of five key areas, ranging from leadership to supply chain management.

The firm was also named the most visionary company in the category of organisational transformation.

At a reception held last night at the Natural History Museum, in London, UGC Group chief executive John Neill said a company's vision needed to be for everybody, even if they didn't know it at the time.

He said: "I believe that a clear vision, coupled with the key actions to support that vision and make it real, has inspired our people to have unusually high aspirations and to go that extra mile in everything they do.

"We had to turn vision into reality for our employees, shareholders, customers, suppliers and even the community.

"Sometimes that meant doing the right thing, even though it wasn't the popular thing. But in doing so our people have created a strong creative company, that continues to deliver real, quantifiable value to our customers."