In the first of a six-part series profiling the 2007 Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards we look at the Business of the Year category.

EAST Lancashire comp-anies should not be afraid to shout about their success, according to the boss of one of the area's fastest expanding firms.

Stephen Ashworth, chairman of Rossendale-based Hurstwood Group, said being able to communicate its success was the key to the company walking away with the Lancashire Telegraph Business of the Year award.

Hurstwood, which is behind some of East Lancashire's biggest and most ambitious regeneration projects, such as the £260million rejuvenation of Burnley's Weaver's Tri-angle, won the accolade in 2005.

Since then Hurstwood has gone from strength to strength and today has gross assets across its 20 property and motoring companies of £175million.

From 2005 Hurstwood's net value of assets, has risen from £40million to £84million.

Mr Ashworth said: "Winning the award is a great way of establishing and enhancing the reputation of your business and, in business, your reputation is priceless.

"The Hurstwood Group are very proud to be among past winners of the Lancashire Telegraph's Business of the Year. If you look at the roll of honour of past winners there are some class acts among them and it is great to be in such company.

"Our win capped another wonderful year for the business. I think our ability to communicate the Hurstwood success story clearly, briefly and accurately was crucial."

Altham-based furniture manufacturer Senator, which employs over 900 staff, and has a turnover of £76million has opened a base in the USA and taken over a marketing company in Holland, since winning the award last year.

Colin Mustoe, chairman said: "We have started winning contracts like the one for Barclays Bank, which used to be out of our grasp."