A BOLTON organisation that uses social media to help businesses get their message across celebrated its first birthday with a special event at The Vaults in The Market Place.

UK Power Hour was started originally by company director Lisa Forshaw to support charitable events but when she got together with long-time friend and sales and marketing expert Julie O-Hara-Gradwell, the duo decided to make it a business organisation.

The idea quickly took off and in the last 12 months they have helped dozens of companies with their marketing online. “The business has grown very quickly and we’ve been delighted with its success,” commented Julie.

The women approached networking guru Suzy Orr, from successful established brand Unique Ladies, to create a memorable first birthday celebration and more than 70 local business people turned up for this special event.

There was positive support from Nandos and Prezzo, the Silk Group donated goody bags and Spice Valley brought in tasty samples of food. Katy Mason, from inspirational speakers’ organisation Another Way talked about Stress in the Workplace and there was a lively “speed networking” session.

The event had strong support from Bolton Hospice, Bolton Young Persons Housing Scheme, Children Today, Windoworld, The Forshaw Group, Hays Travel, the Holiday Inn, Masquerade Hair & Beauty and Portfolio Design.

The feedback from the event was so good that UK Power Hour plans to hold another in October – again, with the help of Unique Ladies - at the Spice Valley Noble House restaurant. For more details go to www.uniqueladiesnetwork.co.uk