THE deadline for this year's Bolton Business Awards has been extended.

The cut-off was supposed to be today but you now have until next Friday, June 29, to sign up for the prestigious competition.

We have launched the search to find the best in the business — with 15 categories, from Family Business of the Year through to Manufacturer of the Year.

The awards which represent Bolton’s finest, are now in their 13th year.

Mike Crutchley, Bolton News interim editor, said: "The Bolton News Business awards are the most prestigious in the North West. Every year, winners in each of the categories tell us how much they benefit from winning the awards. Get your entries in, there's a week to go."

Our sponsors, who will help to judge the entries, include headline sponsor Bolton Council. Sponsoring individual categories again are Market Place Bolton (Business of the Year), MBDA (Manufacturer of the Year), Bristol Street Motors (Customer Excellence) and Stateside Foods (SME Business of the Year).

The host for the evening will be Darren Proctor, who currently broadcasts on Key 2 Radio and Key103.

The awards presentation will follow a three-course meal and at the end of the evening there will be music from a DJ. This year, entering the 15 award categories is easier than ever. Simply log on to theboltonnews.co.uk and click on the business awards link to see the category criteria and complete the application form. Entries close on Friday.