Pendle Business Awards 2010 - we've got lots to shout about!

Screams of delight and rapturous applause marked the prestigious evening which was jointly organised by Pendle Vision, the economic arm of Pendle Partnership, and Pendle Council.

A total of 250 people packed into the ACE Centre on Friday April 23 for the glittering awards ceremony which recognised the best of Pendle's high achieving businesses.

The Centre was transformed into an Oscars-style venue, complete with red carpet, in honour of the borough's brightest business stars.

Councillor Allan Buck came up with the idea of Pendle Business Awards in 2008 - the year the first event took place.

He said: "This year they were bigger and better than ever! The ACE Centre was a fantastic venue and everyone had a really good night.

"The atmosphere was electric. There were screams of delight, rapturous applause and some genuinely very surprised people.

"The number of companies which entered shows that despite the pressures of the economic climate, many are thriving!"

Dennis Mendoros, OBE, DL, FRAeS Chairman of Pendle Vision and Managing Director of Euravia Engineering and Supply Co Ltd, officially welcomed guests in his new role as High Sheriff of Lancashire.

He added: "We have a lot of dynamic companies which are world leaders in their field and this really is a fantastic way to give them the recognition they deserve.

"All of the winning companies have fantastic success stories showing how they've gone from strength to strength.

"And the shocked look on some of the recipients' faces was a picture!

"Sadly Lyndsay Kirk, who won our Young Entrepreneur of the Year, couldn't make it because she was stranded abroad.

>"But her proud father made a very moving speech when he collected the award on her behalf.

"I was delighted to honour Barrie Russell, Managing Director of Protec Fire Detection with the Chairman's award for lifetime achievement and Neil Shoesmith, Director and Chief Executive of Marsden Building Society, with the Chairman's award for Long-established business."

Pendle Business Awards 2010 focused on local companies which invest in their staff, products and processes.

All the shortlisted companies were invited to the awards ceremony. The evening started with a champagne reception, followed by a gala dinner before the winners were announced.

Raising the Roof Productions, which is based in the ACE Centre, helped to make sure the evening was professionally presented and was key to making it the success it was.

Councillor Buck added: "Last time we held an awards evening, the knock-on effect to our local businesses was substantial.

"It created a real buzz over a very long time and we're sure that this year's event will have exactly the same effect.

"Thank you to everyone who sponsored the evening - it really helped to make it a very memorable one.

"And thank you to our excellent host Zilpa Hartley. She helped to create suspense throughout the night as the winners were unveiled."

To see photos from the evening log on to www.pendle.gov.uk/businessawards

Winners:

• Commitment to the Community - Petty Chartered Surveyors
• Innovation - ACDC
• Business Person of the Year - Lee Collins, Hillendale
• Environmental Business of the Year - Printoff Graphic Arts
• Family Business of the Year - Loop Publishing
• Most Outstanding Medium to Large Business of the Year - Kirk Environmental
• Most Outstanding Micro Business of the Year - Canal Boat Escapes
• Most Outstanding Small Business of the Year - Metal Improvement Company 
• New Business of the Year - Holt's Fish and Chips
• Small Retailer of the Year - Going Dutch 
• Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Lyndsay Kirk, Kimora
• Chairman's award for Lifetime Achievement - Barrie Russell, Protec Fire Detection
• Chairman's Award for Long-established Business - Neil Shoesmith, Marsden Building Society

At the end of the evening Dennis Mendoros re-presented Tim Webber, Chairman and Managing Director of Barnfield Construction, with the BIBA (Be Inspired Business Award) Lancastrian of the Year Award (www.thebibas.co.uk)

This is the second time that someone from Pendle has received the prestigious award. Dennis Mendoros was bestowed Lancastrian of the Year in 2008.