TEAM ethic – those were the words on Mark Wiggan’s lips as he picked up the Lancashire Telegraph Business Award for the Small Business of the Year.

The managing director of M65 Recruitment Ltd said that the hard work of the firm’s five-strong team had pulled them through the tough times of 2009.

He said: “Apparently it was the strongest field this year, so to win is a great achievement.

“In an economic climate where people are still suffering a downturn we are still doing it day in, day out. It is a fantastic achievement and we’ve got a great team. That’s what it is about, team ethic.

“This is our first year entering and it won’t be the last time because it has been thoroughly enjoyable.”

Also present were M65 Recruitment’s office manager Jacqui Gregson, recruitment consultant Kirsten Greenwood, apprentice Abigail Ireland, and business development manager David Shields.

Mr Shields said: “It makes all the hard work worthwhile when you win an award like this.”

The firm, based at Castleway Business Park in Preston New Road, Blackburn, was only founded in 2007 but already has a turnover figure of £1.56million.

It provides candidates for serviceable industries in Lancashire, specifically along the M65 corridor, and has a close link-up with Deal of the Year winners Darwen-based WEC Group Ltd to supply an average of one new member of staff every month.

Hyndburn Enterprise Trust sponsored the award and its chairman Coun Tony Dobson said: “We agree with the Lancashire Telegraph editor Kevin Young that there are so many good news stories out there and so many good companies doing such fantastic work in Pennine Lancashire, that it does need somebody to facilitate an awards evening like this to sing the praises of local businesses, otherwise it would go unnoticed.

“Awards like this are a boost because just to get to this stage gives that extra encouragement to do even better the year after. We’re pleased to be involved.”