A BOLTON telecoms firm has become the sponsor of the SME of the Year category in this year’s Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Comms Consult is an award-winning communications consultancy which designs, supplies and installs a range of communication products and services for businesses of any size across the UK.

The company, based at The Courtyard, Calvin Street, The Valley, was set up in 2008 by business partners Matt Tomkin, aged 27, and Geoff Bateley son, aged 49, who are both from Bolton.

With more than 15 years of combined experience working in the telecommunications industry, they have managed to build a thriving telecoms business.

It continues to develop with a major presence in the call centre market and customer-supplier relationships.

Comms Consult deals with some of the largest companies within its sector including WeBuyAny Car.com, Cheshire-based Bott & Co and No 1 Accident Claims. It is also the official reseller of call centre software specialist IT Campus. Comms staff are managing director Matt Tomkin, sales director Geoff Bateson, communications consultant Euan Aitken, aged 28, customer services supervisor Suzanne Prescott, aged 19, and business accountant Catherine Tobin, aged 33.

The firm currently has eight consultants working around the country.

It is to keen support local industry and commerce, and recently sponsored the In Business in Bolton exhibition and networking event.

Now, it has become one of the main sponsors for the Bolton and Bury Business Awards.

Mr Tomkin, from Bromand Bateley Cross, said: “As a growing firm, Comms thinks sponsoring the SME award is the perfect way to show our support for smaller firms facing what can often be a tough and challenging route into business.

“For us, it is a route which began only a few years ago, but we are already reaping the benefits.”

The former Turton High School pupil worked as an Asda store greeter.

After a year, he moved to TV and Video Direct in 2005.

Within his first month, he was managing the internal element of the commercial department Bromand through process innovation, helped drive the annual turnover from £2 million to £5 million within two years.

It was his time there which kick-started his entrepreneurial spirit and led him to co-found Comms Consult.

Outside of his role as managing director, he is a keen Bolton Wanderers supporter and captain of a Bolton hockey team.

Mr Tomkin works closely with charities including Bolton Hospice and Bolton Lads and Girls Club.

He is embarking on the Woodvale Atlantic Challenge race in a bid to raise £250,000 for the club.