JUDGING for this year's Bolton and Bury Business Awards starts next week. Organisers are delighted that there have been more than 100 entries from businesses of all sizes - the highest number in the six years that the competition has been running. Mr Paul Davidson, Chief Executive of Bolton Business Ventures Ltd, said: "1997 was clearly a good year for many businesses in Bolton and Bury and this is reflected both in the quantity and quality of applications we have received.

"The standard of entries is exceptionally high and the judges will have a very difficult task to pick the winners."

Each of the sponsors is nominating a representative to the final judging panel which meets on Monday to review the entries and determine whether any additional information is required from applicants.

There are eight award categories carrying total prize money of £22,000 with a further £3,000 in trophies and certificates.

The winners will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at the Last Drop Village Hotel on Friday, May 15.

The judges are Richard Baguley (chairman) from Cartmell Public Relations Ltd, Blackpool; Harry Birtwistle (Area Corporate Manager, Barclays Bank); Steve Burns (Head of Economic & Physical Development, Bolton Council); David Dunn (Public Sector Manager, Co-Operative Bank); Graham Farrell (Director of Marketing, Bolton Bury Training and Enterprise); Dave Mitchell (Small Business Community Manager, BT); Brian Smith (Chief Executive, Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce); John Waters (Managing Director, Bolton Evening News and Bury Times Group) and Jean Wilson (Chairman, Bolton Business Ventures).

Bolton Council will also be represented by Sam Price (New Small Business Award), Sikander Badat (Ethnic Business Award) and Jacqui Williams (Environmental Company of the Year).

Warner Village Cinemas is joint main sponsor of the Bolton and Bury Business Awards with Business Link Bolton and Bury.

The supporting sponsor is BT Business Connections and category sponsorship comes from ACDO, the washing specialists, Bolton Council, Business Link Bolton and Bury, Bolton and Bury Chamber of Commerce and Barclays Bank.

Tickets for the black tie dinner (£30 plus VAT) are available from BBV Operations Executive Sylvia Philips on 01204 391400.

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