BOLTON’S Love Energy Savings has been nominated for an award in a trio of categories at the North West Business Masters awards event.

The firm will be competing in the ‘Innovation’, ‘Medium Business’ and ‘Fast Growth’ brackets, and will be up against the likes of The Alchemist, part of Living Ventures Restaurant group, and Chorley’s Utiligroup.

For Love Energy Savings’ MD Phil Foster, the awards nominations reflect the company’s continued success. He said: “I’m delighted for my team because they’re extremely ambitious and have worked tirelessly, year after year, to keep Love Energy Savings on an upward curve.

“And I’m grateful to the North-West Business Masters organisers for recognising the achievements of our employees. It should be a great event and it’s one we’re all looking forward to.”

Love Energy Savings (LES), headquartered off Manchester Road, specialises in securing cheaper energy tariffs for business customers, particularly micro firms and SMEs, while also handling the complex switching process from start to finish.

In 2012, LES employed 70 members of staff. That figure now stands at 220.

Meanwhile turnover is on course to almost double in two years - going from £12,774,933 in 2016 to a forecasted £19,750,864 in 2018.

Mr Foster says one of the secrets to their success has been in the continued investment of employee engagement. “We’ve implemented tailored learning programmes to make sure staff are nurtured and grow, and I’d like to think that all opinions are both heard and valued.

He himself runs workout sessions in the company gym for his team, and adds: “We strive to make sure employees are happy, safe and secure at work.

“And even little things, like making sure there’s free fresh fruit for everyone, can have a huge impact on wellbeing.

“Most of all, we pride ourselves on our four values; ‘Clear’, ‘Dependable’, ‘Honourable’ and ‘Loving’. It’s a mantra I live by and has therefore shaped behaviours in our workplace.”

Alex Turner, joint managing director of TheBusinessDesk.com, is on the North-West Business Masters judging panel.

He said: “There was strong competition and the judges were forced to cut lots of interesting and thriving companies.

“The shortlist is full of outstanding businesses which, regardless of size, are reaping the rewards of their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

“We’re looking forward to a great awards night in April celebrating their achievements.”

The ceremony takes place April 19 at Manchester’s historic Midland Hotel.