A BUSINESS chief has urged East Lancashire firms to ‘crank up the volume’ and enter the Lancashire Telegraph’s Business Awards.

Chief executive of the East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce Mike Damms called on enterprising companies in the region to bid for an opportunity to be recognised and rewarded for their successes during the past 12 months.

He said the awards, which will be presented at a glitzy ceremony at Ewood Park in November, helped to showcase the opportunities for careers in excellent companies on our doorstep.

Mr Damms said: “There are many extraordinary businesses in East Lancashire.

“While blind faith was being placed in the service and financial economies of London and the south, our manufacturers got on quietly with the job.

“That’s why we have more than double the national average levels of manufacturing today.

“This satisfaction with the quality of workmanship, technical capability, innovation and the work ethic, have come to define the area.

“Of course, the economy is being rebalanced and manufacturing and exports are in fashion, but they are unlikely on their own to recreate the numbers of jobs due to increased productivity, so East Lancashire also needs enterprise to flourish in the services and third sector as never before.

“Pleasingly there are some very positive developments on all of these fronts.”

The awards, which are free to enter, include 11 categories, including the prestigious Business of the Year title, and other prizes recognising manufacturing excellence, innovation and technology, export, deals, environment and retailing of all kinds.

Mr Damms said: “We have every cause to be proud.

“Now is the time to crank up the volume and be louder.”

To enter, go to www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/business/business_awards/