AN inspirational businesswoman from Bolton has secured a memorable double after triumphing in an enterprise competition.

And an up-and-coming talent from the borough has also been lauded as part of the Enterprise Vision Awards 2019.

Last week Maura Jackson, chief executive of Backup Bolton, the young people's homelessness charity, was named Business Person at the Year at the Bolton Business Awards.

And now the charity champion has been crowned Inspiration Woman of the Year by judges at the awards, known as the EVAs, which were hosted by Rosie Dummer of Channel 4's Extreme Cake Makers.

Maura was joined on stage at the same ceremony by Holly Shafiq, who clinched the event's Young Entrepreneur title.

Backup has mushroomed in size in recent years and now looks after 100 young people at is supported accommodation locally.

This year has also been a standout for The Phlebotomy Centre, which was given a boost by Dragons Den star Theo Paphitis in July.

The stationery kingpin promotes a handful of emerging firms as part of his Small Business Sunday each week and the Over Hulton outfit was featured.

Coral Horn, founder of the awards, said “The EVAs spread an inspirational message that women of all ages can be successful entrepreneurs. Each year, the awards get bigger and better.

"This year, we've cried, laughed and been awestruck by the excellence of these talented women.

"They made it harder than ever for the judges who were impressed by their passion, determination and zeal."

Another winner on the night was Susanna Lawson, of Manchester-based OneFile, who launched her e-portfolio and learning hub venture from her bedroom. She was given the Outstanding Achievement of the Year gong.

Heather Waters, an enterprise manager at awards sponsor NatWest, said: “The EVAs are without question a brilliant way to celebrate the successes and achievements made by women in business from across the north west."