Pendle Business Awards honours the region's finest

A glittering ceremony was held at the Fence Gate Inn to reveal the winning companies, each granted the coveted Pendle trophy – an elegant glass and metal sculpture inspired by Pendle Hill, made by local company Merc Aerospace.

Dennis Mendoros, chairman of Pendle Vision Board and president of Mendor Enterprises, said: “Last night was absolutely fantastic. It was our best event yet! We were joined by some of the borough’s greatest businesses and I was really proud to be among them.

The late Bill Oddie was recognised with a Chairman’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

“He owned a baker's dozen of outlets across the region, including Blackburn, Nelson and Accrington, and steered the 113-year-old firm through recession.

Businesses also helped to raise £2,000 on the night for this year’s nominated charity SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity which helps the Armed Forces, veterans and their families in Lancashire.

Pendle Business Awards 2018 winners:

Business of the Year Award - med/large (51+ employees)Marsden Building Society

Rising Star of the YearWise Owl Creative

Manufacturer of the YearRiggs Autopack Ltd

Making a Local DifferencePendleside HospiceChairman’s Award for Lifetime AchievementIn memory of Bill Oddie, Oddie’s Bakery Amanda Melton, principal and chief executive of Nelson and Colne College