TWO Darwen businesses are in line to scoop top prizes in the first ever Ready For Business Awards 2013.

The Real Thai Pie Company and Abson Office Seating Ltd will be going up against the country’s top start-up businesses at a spectacular ceremony in London to celebrate enterprise and innovation.

The Real Thai Pie Company, which was established in February by Dean Haworth, combines his family’s baking background with a love of travel and Eastern flavours to create a fusion product, and has claimed the Best B2C Start-Up award in the regional category for the North West.

He will now compete against seven other enterprising businesses at the national finals which are being held at the House of Commons in London on December 2.

Since opening its doors earlier this year, The Real Thai Pie Company has developed a range of five pies with a Christmas special currently in the pipeline.

Dean has also taken on a new member of staff and is awaiting a decision on a contract with a leading national supermarket chain.

He said: “I am delighted to have received this prestigious award so soon after establishing the business.

“To have our efforts recognised is a huge achievement and we look forward to going forward to the national finals.”

Abson Office Seating Ltd was established in November by Babar-Hussain and is a manufacturing company producing a range of office chairs using parts sourced in the UK; it has been named as the winner of the Best B2B Start-Up award for the North West and will also be competing at the national finals against other regional winners from across the country.

Abson Office Seating Ltd has expanded its team and taken on two new members of staff and increased turnover against the original projections.

They have also secured two major clients and have supplied five universities across the country with seating.

The awards recognise achievements across three categories – Best Growth Potential Start-Up, Best B2B Start-Up and Best B2C Start-Up – and have been introduced to highlight the remarkable progress that small businesses across the country have made with support from Ready for Business.

Kevin Horne, chairman of the Cavendish Consortium and head of the judging panel said: “What we are seeing through these awards are real and inspiring examples of just what can be achieved by individuals who have a strong commercial business idea and access to the right kind of support.

“These awards not only recognise the achievements of businesses such as The Real Thai Pie Company and Abson Office Seating Ltd but will hopefully inspire others looking to forge ahead with their own business ideas and we can build upon the remarkable success that Ready for Business has accomplished in a relatively short period of time.”