THERE were scenes of joyous celebration as Darts Corner took home the prize for Business of the Year.
The online darts retailer was presented with the award by Cathy Savage, the marketing and event manager of Market Place Bolton.
Wayne Taylor, the company’s managing director, declared himself delighted at the business's success.
He said: “It is an absolutely incredible feeling.
“We are so proud of the entire team. There are 50 of us now who have grown this to be an international business, and we are so lucky to have such a good team behind us.
"We could not do it without them."
The business, which is based in Slater Lane, began life in 2005 in the basement of the Heaton home of Mr Taylor and his wife Andrea.
The couple shared a lifelong passion for the sport, and coupled with a drive to deliver excellent customer service and provide an unrivalled catalogue of products for immediate dispatch, it has proved to be a huge success.
The business soon expanded beyond that basement and have subsequently moved three times – each time to larger premises.
Darts Corner has become the global leader in the industry with more than 2.5 million visitors to its website each year.
However, this is only the first time the firm has been nominated for the awards.
“We feel privileged to be here tonight," added Mr Taylor. "It is outstanding for us to win such a prestigious award, and to be chosen above all these outstanding companies is something we absolutely did not expect.
“We are so overwhelmed by the whole occasion, and just delighted to be involved with the business community of Bolton.
"This is such a glorious occasion and I feel proud of what the team has achieved."
The Business of the Year award was sponsored by the Market Place.
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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