Photo by Liz Henson Photography
Words by Catherine Smyth Media
A SPECTACULAR celebration of Rossendale businesses saw The Riverside in Whitworth packed with more than 200 people.
The sixth annual Rossendale Business Awards saw two Mayors open the ceremony, the Mayor of Whitworth Councillor Lynda Barnes and the Mayor of Rossendale Councillor Marilyn Proctor.
They praised the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Rossendale and the diverse range of businesses.
“It goes to show just what we have to offer in this Valley,” said Councillor Barnes.
The awards are organised by Valley at Work, which connects local businesses, and Chair Rob Carder said: “The quality of the entries was of a very high standard making the job of the judging panel them a real challenge.”
When pet care business BowWowMiaow , from Haslingden, was announced as the winner of the prestigious Valley at Work Award owner Chloe Taylor was in shock.
She was presented with a beautiful trophy engraved by Alexis Valentine from Walking On Glass.
Chloe said: “We were up against such big, big businesses, which have had such an influence in the Valley.
“This is the first time doing anything like this and I didn’t expect to win. It is amazing and the award is going to Doggy Day Care so everyone can see it.
“BowWowMiaow is not just me and it wouldn’t work without everyone involved. We are a small business but we have big ideas to become bigger.”
As it was Armistice Day, Veterans In Communities Singing Group sang during the interval.
A raffle was also held on the night, organised by joint winner of the Community Business Award the M3 Project, from Rawtenstall, and it raised more than £400 for the charity for its work with young homeless people and families.
Results
Valley at Work Award sponsored by Valley at Work
Winner: BowWowMiaow
Business of the Year sponsored by Cassons
Winner: JJO plc
Highly Commended: Tricketts Insurance Brokers
Made In Rossendale sponsored by JJO
Winner: Northern Joinery
Highly Commended: Riley’s Butchers
New Business sponsored by Rossendale Borough Council
Winner: The Artisan
Highly Commended: The Dearden Tea Rooms
Customer Friendly Business sponsored by Farrow and Farrow; Dementia Friendly Rossendale
Winner: Parrock Lumb Cottages
Enterprising Young Person sponsored by Rossendale’s High Schools
Winner: Annie Ryder
Highly Commended: Shahrin Nahar and Nicola Turner
MicroBusiness sponsored by Vicky Callan Soft Furnishings
Winner: Melbec Microbiology
Independent Retailer sponsored by Rawtenstall Chamber of Commerce
Winner: Ruby and Daisy
Creative Business sponsored by Open Door Media
Winner: Dansworks Dance Academy
Highly Commended: Big Tank Productions Ltd
Community Business sponsored by WHN Solicitors
Winners: M3 Project and The RAFT Foundation
Tourism Business sponsored by Promoting Rossendale Board
Winner: The Whitaker
Highly Commended: Horse and Bamboo Theatre
Part-Time Business sponsored by Winter Solicitors
Winner: Wardrobe Boutique
Highly Commended: Jo Jingles
Employer of the Year sponsored by Metis HR
Winner: Hazelwood Homecare
Apprenticeship sponsored by Valley at Work
Winner: Rossendale Bespoke Timber
Highly Commended: Heads Above