ENTERING the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards raises the profile of a company and the confidence of employees, according to a past winner.

The message comes from School of Sign Language’s Mary Mackenzie – last year’s Employee of the Year – as the award entry deadline approaches ever closer.

Mary, who is manager of School of Sign Language, based at Blackburn Rovers Enterprise Centre, Ewood Park, Blackburn, said she was “still buzzing” after winning the award.

She said: “I was totally gobsmacked and I had no idea whatsoever that I’d win.

“It was just unbeliev-able when I heard my name read out, especially with all the people who went for it from all those different companies.

“I was so proud and it has been a good thing for the business because it has raised the profile of the company.

“My confidence has been massively boosted by it, and I still feel brilliant.

“I would recommend it to anyone, especially if they got the chance to feel like I felt.”

Mary had never been a manager before she took up the role at the company after initially joining as a volunteer.

Now though, she has gone on to help the company break down barriers between deaf and hearing people and helped create jobs for people with hearing problems.

Mary said that even if she hadn’t won, the Lancashire Telegraph Business Awards – which this year take place on November 14 at Ewood Park – were a great event to be involved with.

With categories such as Recruitment and Develop- ment, Innovation, Social and Community Develop-ment, and Technology, there is plenty for comp-anies to go at this time around.

She added: “The way it was set up was brilliant.

“Even if I hadn’t won, it was lovely to meet all those different business people. It was a great networking event.”

• The closing date is September 19.