In the first of a series of articles looking at each category in the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards, we explore what it takes to scoop the Business Deal of the Year.

THE success of a big deal can help make or break a company, and in the case of one Blackburn firm, officially put its business on the map.

Confectionery firm Glisten PLC has gone from strength to strength. A £14million move in 2004 saw its size double overnight.

Judges for last year's Lancashire Telegraph's business awards were impressed with the firm which continues to manufacture from its Blackburn factory.

The deal, to buy Welsh company Halo Foods, gave Glisten a foot on the ladder in the cereal and health bar market, an area which is fast becoming a growing market for such firms.

And judges decided that the deal had helped put Blackburn on the map and also create jobs, and Glisten was handed the Business Deal of the Year award.

Today Rob Davies, the firm's finance director, revealed the importance of such an award. He said: "Wwe were very pleased to be recognised.

"It means a lot to know that you're a successful business and to be regarded so highly in the local area.

"The Blackburn office won't let us have the plaque, it means so much to them they have kept it!"

The Lancashire Telegraph's Deal of the Year category, sponsored by PM&M chartered accountants, is looking for the big deal' which helped to transform a business.

It could include a company purchase, arranging a management buyout, or listing on the stock exchange.

Laurence Parry, of sponsors PM&M, said: "This is our third year sponsoring the Deal of the Year category, as we feel it is important to highlight the achievements of businesses within East Lancashire.

"This area can sometimes play itself down, acting as though it isn't as as high-profile as perhaps Preston, Manchester and Leeds are.

"But that simply isn't the case - anyone who works in the region will know that the deals struck here are as important, and in some cases more so, than those in our neighbouring cities.

"These awards give us a chance to rightly celebrate those businesses which reach these heights, not just benefiting themselves, but the whole area."