A BUSINESS leader has urged East Lancashire enterprises to be ‘louder and prouder’ in promoting their real achievements to a wide audience.

Mike Damms, chief executive of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, was speaking in support of the recently-launched 2011 Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards.

Despite the backdrop of a very difficult international economic situation during the past 12 months, Mr Damms said: “We have a lot of companies doing rather and even very well.

“Obviously, some sectors are suffering but we have a lot of growth companies and manufacturing has come back in fashion – in some ways we have had a reasonable year.

“Awards do matter – people should be louder and prouder in making their success known.”

This year’s Lancashire Telegraph Business awards are open to firms and enterprises of all sizes who can enter one or more of 10 categories celebrating the best deals, export achievement, innovation and technology and a team category for groups of individuals who have really made a difference.

Sponsors include Blackburn College, United Utilities, BAE Systems, Cobham plc, Hyndburn Enterprise Trust and Napthens.

It costs nothing to enter but forms must be received by Monday, September 12.

Expert judges will shortlist three entries in each category and winners will be announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Ewood Park, Blackburn, on November 11.