As Mayor of Bolton I had the pleasure of attending the Bolton Business Awards on Friday 26th September and it was an honour to be asked to hand out the award for Best Family Business to the winner. Sushma snacks, a small local business of only three years was understandably delighted.

This event showed the very best of business in Bolton, small and medium sizes businesses who strive every day to be the best in the country and run happy, fair, competitive and successful businesses. And I would congratulate everyone who was nominated it is a wonderful achievement.

But it didn’t just stop with the awards for business, I was extremely grateful that the Bolton News allowed the proceeds from the raffle held on the night to go to my Mayoral charities. And I would be grateful if, through your paper, I could publicly thank the following small local businesses, all of whom donated to me personally, prizes for the raffle. Boss Detailing, The Railway Hotel Bromley Cross. Retreat Restaurant, The Last Drop Hotel, Octagon Flowers, Relish Coffee Shop, Hot Chilli Restaurant, Heavenly Deserts, Adonai Aesthetics, Elite Boxing, Bain Plumbing services, Sharon’s Salon.

Every one of these businesses, many of whom didn’t even know me, gave prizes, many worth over £100, with little gain for themselves but the rosy glow of helping others. I believe this epitomises everything that is good in Bolton and why I am so very proud to be its Mayor.

The Raffle raised a fantastic £1.785 for my mayoral charities, Bolton Hospice, Fortalice, Bolton Dementia Support, Asian Elders, The Scout Trust for Bibby’s Farm, and The Renal Unit at the Royal Bolton Hospital.

Cllr Hilary Fairclough

Mayor of Bolton