A COMPANY rising from small beginnings is the toast of the local business community. Judges at this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards had no hesitation in choosing Bolton Industrial Doors Ltd as Company of the Year. The magnificent Last Drop Village at Bromley Cross was the backdrop for the glittering sell-out black tie dinner and dance.

Organisers said that once again all tickets had been quickly sold and demand had been greater than supply. People were greeted with a cocktail reception before moving onto the sumptious dinner. But the night belonged to Bolton Industrial Doors - a hugely successful operation, which began as a one-man-one-van, home-based operation back in 1985.

Within three years it had grown to six men, to 18 in 1993 and 46 in 1995.

The company now employs 60 staff, working as 18 teams from a 20,000sq ft unit in Lostock.

As Paul Davidson, chief executive of Bolton Business Ventures, announced the winner, a loud cheer rose from the Bolton Industrial Doors table.

After receiving the award of Company of the Year, which was sponsored by Business Link Bolton and Bury, a delighted company director, Peter Thompson, said: "We were very pleased and surprised to win this award.

"It is extremely gratifying to be judged and acknowledged by peers within the business community of Bolton and Bury as the best company for 1998. I would like to thank our suppliers, customers and all our employees past and present who have contributed to the success of Bolton Industrial Doors Ltd. The prize money will be used for staff training following our recent instigation of 'Achievement Through Company Training', organised by Bolton and Bury Training and Enterprise Council.

"The remainder will be used to purchase specialised software for our 'Teaching Company Scheme'.

"This is a part DTI, part company funded two year programme where a graduate with the necessary experience works with the company and a local university or college, in our case Bolton Institute, to develop a specific product."

The company, whose directors, including Peter are his wife, Alison and Mr Mike Calderbank, is also currently negotiating to buy land in Bolton. This is with a view to building larger premises, a move in accordance with the company's continued expansion.

It has recently formed a separate division within Bolton Industrial Doors Ltd, called Klimate Control Systems. This is to market a range of energy efficient rapid roll doors. Bolton Industrial Doors was presented with a cheque for £5,000 and a silver salver.

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