Rossendale kitchen, bedroom and bathroom manufacturer JJO plc has clinched the title of Rossendale Business of the Year at the first ever Rossendale Business Awards, sponsored by Viva and the Rossendale Free Press.
The Bacup-based business — which has seen rapid growth in its new bathroom division over the 12 months — picked up the award at the ceremony which formed the climax of the two-day Valley At Work business exhibition, at Bacup Leisure Hall.
JJO were one of more than 100 nominees from across 7 categories. The other winners included Bacup's newest attraction the Russian Tea Rooms which scooped the New Business award and Rawtenstall hairdresser Tufties which won a prize for its website.
Flashbang Science, established by scientist Claire Holt, was the winner of the Innovation Award, while the tourism honour went to the Old Stables Guesthouse (Tippett Farm) in Cowpe.
Renowned Crawshawbooth shop Riley's Butchers was the winner of the Retail Business category, while the Social Business of the Year prize went to Haslingden Community Link.
Julie Green Jones — the 2009 Lancashire Business Woman of the Year — was the guest of honour at the awards. Julie chairman of Rossendales, one of area's leading companies and is one of the most respected figures in the North West business world told the audience just why the business event was so important for Rossendale.
JJO Managing Director Stephen Greenhalgh said: "This award is a pat on the back for the whole company and all our employees who put so much effort in. We are a Rossendale business, have a long history here and the vast majority of our employees are from the Valley so this award will mean a great deal to everyone at JJO."
The company, which is one of Rossendale's largest employers, makes around 700 kitchens a week and has invested more than £7.5 million in new technology at its factories in recent years.
Tony Garner of sponsors Viva PR said: "The great thing these awards have done is shine a light on some of Rossendale's leading businesses. Every category was very closely fought and the judges were given a really tough time. The list of winners just proves what a vibrant business community we have here in Rossendale."
Andy MacNae of PEER, which works in Rossendale encouraging people in the area to start up their own businesses and then by helping them develop and grow, said: "The Valley At Work exhibition which hosted the awards ceremony was a tremendous success with a host of local business showcasing their products and services. These awards brought a whole new dimension to the exhibition. They were really well supported and there is already a desire to see them repeated next year which is a real sign of success."
Business of the Year: JJO plc. Also shortlisted: Bandicoot; Pennine Forge; ISSL;
New Business of the Year: Russian Tea Rooms. Also shortlisted: Flashbang Science; Larner Murphy; Rossendale Radio;
Best Website Award: Tufties. Also shortlisted: Anthony and Patricia; Fit Therapy; HorseBasket.com
Innovation Award: Flashbang Science. Also shortlisted: CSA Photonics; Kiddies Party Bus
Tourism Business Award: Old Stables Guesthouse (Tippett Farm). Also shortlisted: Fitzpatricks; Horse and Bamboo Theatre; Russian Tea Rooms
Retail Business of the Year: Riley's Butchers. Also shortlisted: Bolthole Gifts; Ride On; Wynsors World of Shoes
Social Business of the Year: Haslingden Community Link. Also shortlisted: Bacup Consortium Trust; Valley Supported Living
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