From the Bolton Evening News, first published Friday 30th Jun 2006.

HUNDREDS of guests attended the inaugural Bolton Evening News and Bury Times Business Awards at the Premier Suite at the Reebok last night.

At the glittering event, sponsored by St Andrews Travel, the top 10 businesses in the Bolton and Bury areas were honoured with awards.

And there were also certificates and prizes for the highly commended and commended businesses.

The Business of the Year award, which was sponsored by The Royal Bank of Scotland, went to Parcel2go.com, an online Bolton courier service based in Coe Street, which has won contracts to deliver on behalf of DHL, Fedex and Parceline, and delivers 3,000 parcels a day.

Founder Fil Adams-Mercer said: "We have expanded dramatically since we moved to new premises in 1994 and we intend to keep growing. This a tribute to the staff who provide such great service that people keep coming back to us. It's fantastic."

There were 30 shortlisted finalists three in each category which had been whittled down from dozens of entries.

Bolton Evening News Editor-in-chief Steve Hughes said: "These awards give us the chance to shout about our achievements and put our successful businesses in the spotlight they deserve.

"There are some great stories of enterprise and vision.

"World-class companies, small businesses and individuals all striving to be the best at what they do."

The categories were: Start Up Business of the Year; Small Business of the Year; Innovation and Design; International Award; Customer Excellence Award; Family Business of the Year; Training Award; Young Entrepreneur of the Year; Business Person of the Year and Business of the Year.