COMPANIES in Deane, Derby and Daubhill celebrated their business achievements at presentation before Christmas.

Thirteen companies went along to the Reebok Stadium to receive certificates from Bolton Bury Chamber deputy chief executive Mark Lloyd after successfully completing the Achievement Through Company training programme - part of a national Skills for Small Business initiative.

"On-going development of staff is crucial to the future success of business", said Andrew Heyderman, head of Bolton and Bury Chamber's work Force Development Team. "All 3Ds businesses could benefit from the support available and we would particularly welcome enquiries from ethnic minority businesses who have so far been under-represented in the scheme."

Although the programme which helped businesses to produce and implement a company wide training plan has officially come to an end, similar support is being offered through the Investors in People national award.

Anyone interested in improving their business through development of the workforce can contact Karen Mycock on 374711. The successful companies included Michael Foster Hair; Little Darlings Nursery; Aaron's Hair Salon; Health Care Management; Branprint; Enterprise Consultancy; Swan Lane Medical Centre; Johnson Security Services; Sevaline; Ofsted Inspections; Bex Computers; St Ethelberts School Shuttle and Thomas Rourke and Sons Ltd.

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