AN abseiling window cleaning business which dates back three generations has scaled new heights after winning the Family Business of the Year award.
HCS Cleaning Services Ltd was founded 50 years ago by Tim Horan as a domestic window cleaning business in the Breightmet area.
In 1980, Tim's son, Chris, joined the business at the age of 16, and eventually took over at 21.
He remained at the helm until 2014 when his son, Scott, and his partner Josh Hulstone, joined the business, and transformed it from a local window cleaning round into becoming a commercial cleaning company, covering the North West and beyond.
The company, which is now based in Burden Business Park, has advanced far beyond its humble beginnings, gaining contracts across sectors including hotels, the NHS and high-rise city centre residential developments.
It has also introduced an abseiling division to enable it to compete with larger businesses in offering abseil window cleaning and abseil maintenance services.
On winning the award, which was sponsored by Carrs Pasties, Mr Hulstone, said: “It is a huge surprise for us, we did not expect to win.
"We are really proud to get the recognition after 50 years. This business goes back three generations now, and we have always been based in Bolton, so we just need to keep doing what we are doing.
“The awards have been great, it has been a really nice night. We have never been to one of these before, so it is all new to us, but we have loved absolutely every minute of it.”
Bain Plumbing Services Ltd, which is based on the Boundary Industrial Estate, were also highly commended by judges.
FULL COVERAGE - read the winners' stories
Business of the year - Darts Corner
Businessperson of the year - James Bancroft
Apprentice of the year - Ellie Entwistle
Employer of the year - ExcluSec
Manufacturer of the year - Pure Fabs
Retailer of the year - Market Place
Family business of the year - HCS
Innovation award - Bolton College
Customer excellence award- Market Place
Not for profit - Bolton Young Person's Housing Scheme
Community award - Bolton Family
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