NETWORKING business thebestofbolton has been named as the best franchisee of the year at thebestof national conference.

The business — which helps promote local businesses across the borough — beat competition from 200 thebestof franchisees across the UK.

Gaynor Ramsden, who runs thebestofbolton alongside husband David, said: "We are so proud to be awarded the title of franchisee of the year.

"The award was in recognition of all we do locally for our members both on and offline and our massive proactive approach to working with businesses.

"thebestof is in around 200 areas nationally so to be awarded this accolade out of so many, feels wonderful for me, David and our team."

The team at thebestofbolton has received glowing recommendations from firms in Bolton.

A spokesman for Scruffymonkey Digital Media based in Egerton said: "I have been a member of The Best of Bolton since November and the impact it has had on my business has been incredible.

"I have created so many business links and gained new customers through the group and it is great to have people like David and Gaynor on hand to support my business.

"I cannot rate The thebestofbolton highly enough."

The company is also behind the successful Big Bolton Business Expo event.

The fourth expo was held in February at The Bridge Conference Centre in Bradford Street and another is planned for October this year.

More than 70 firms had stands at the February expo and the autumn event is set to be even bigger, with 85 exhibitors.

Mrs Ramsden added: "The Big Bolton Expo is all about bringing people together to build relationships, showcase products and services and do business.

"There will be exhibitor stands, a market place, fast-paced speed networking and much more."