THE borough’s best businesses have been given special recognition at the first Hive Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards.

Finalists were joined by dignitaries, sponsors, judges and supporters at an exclusive black-tie event held at Blackburn Cathedral, where the winners were announced and celebrated on stage.

Awards were presented across a range of categories, including titles for those that showed the most creativity, manufacturing excellence, high growth and international achievement, as well as young entrepreneur and bright spark awards for individuals.

Khalid Saifullah, who is a director of Star Tissue and chairman of the Hive Network, which hosted the awards, said: “The inaugural Blackburn and Darwen Business Awards has been a fantastic success.

“Our goal was to showcase the extraordinary work being undertaken within the borough.

“Anybody who looks at the list of finalists and winners will realise what a truly special region this is.

“The awards really highlight the fantastic businesses we have within the borough and we’re pleased they’ve taken this opportunity to shout about what they do and celebrate the extraordinary people working for them.”

Metal fabrication and engineering services company WEC Group were triple winners on the night, picking up The Eureka Award for innovation and the much sought-after Manufacturing Excellence Award.

Young employee James Pickles was also named winner of The Bright Spark Award for the vital role he plays for the company.

The event was managed by award-winning Blackburn-based, Fettle Events.