The Bolton News Business Awards are back after a two-year hiatus - and it's set to be the best one yet.

The event is taking place at the Premier Suite of Bolton Stadium Hotel, at the University of Bolton Stadium, tonight (Thursday, September 22) from 7.15pm.

The theme of the 2022 awards is "Build Back Bolton" and is a chance to celebrate all the fantastic businesses that call the area home.

The headline sponsors are Bolton Council and the University of Bolton and the evening will be compèred by none other than Granada TV presenter Paul Crone.

If you're not able to attend but would like to follow what's happening live, then head on over to The Bolton News Twitter page (@TheBoltonNews) where regular updates will be posted - including the winner of each award.

Shortly after 11pm, a round-up of the winners will be published on the website and shared via our Twitter page and Facebook page.

Below, you'll find the full list of this year's finalists as well as the category sponsors.

Company of the Year - Sponsored by MBDA Missile Systems

The Bolton News:

  • Diamond Bus Northwest
  • Aquavape
  • Digital Cloud UK
  • Bolton Stadium Hotel
  • Holiday Inn Bolton Centre

SME Business of the Year - Sponsored by Franking Sense

The Bolton News:

  • Handrail Creations
  • Stirling Furniture Design
  • A Year of Dates
  • Northern Monkey Brew Co
  • Retreat Bolton
  • Exceed Events & Concepts
  • Cherry Tree Blackrod

The Apprenticeships, Training & Skills Award - Sponsored by Stateside Foods

The Bolton News:

  • Diamond Bus Northwest
  • Howorth Air Tech
  • MBDA Missile Systems Early Careers
  • Wilson Design and Build
  • Bolton at Home
  • M&R Plumbing & Heating Ltd

Heart of the Community Award - Sponsored by Bolton Wanderers Football Club

The Bolton News:

  • Forest Frontiers C.I.C.
  • Bolton FM
  • Octagon Theatre Bolton
  • Active Afterschool
  • ActionCOACH Bolton
  • Bolton Arena
  • Whysup
  • Bolton Hospice

Innovation Award – Sponsored by Peel L&P

The Bolton News:

  • Diamond Bus Northwest
  • TCB Unlimited Dining
  • Wilson Design and Build
  • Bolton Gin Company
  • Market Place Bolton – The Emporium

Digital/E-Commerce Business of the Year Award - Sponsor TBC

  • A Year of Dates
  • Northern Monkey Brew Co
  • Bolton Gin Company
  • Casual Closet Limited
  • Amber Lily Shoes

Well-being Award - Sponsored by Russell and Russell Solicitors

The Bolton News:

  • Boo Coaching & Consulting
  • The Audit Lab
  • Whysup
  • Love Energy Savings

Environmental/Sustainability Award - Sponsored by Toughsheet Building Products

The Bolton News:

  • Diamond Bus Northwest
  • Peel L&P Northstone
  • Bolton College
  • Bolton Environmental Resource Centre – The Wildlife Trust for Lancashire and North Merseyside
  • Thomasson Memorial School

Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award  - Sponsored by Diamond Northwest

The Bolton News:

  • Bella’s Bakes
  • Wilson Design and Build
  • Amber Lily Shoes
  • April Elizabeth Hair and Beauty

Editor’s Award - Sponsored by The Bolton News

  • Lagan’s Foundation
  • Horwich Foodshare
  • Backup Northwest
  • David Greenhalgh (Former Leader of Bolton Council)
  • Scott Wilson - Wilson Design and Build
  • Roe & Co Residential Sales

Best Customer Service Award - Sponsored by Vertu Motors

The Bolton News:

  • Octagon Theatre Bolton
  • Digital Cloud UK
  • Cherry Tree Blackrod
  • Harrisons Estate Agents
  • Exceed Events
  • Gorilla Accountancy

Business Hero Award - Sponsored by Bolton at Home

The Bolton News:

  • Design and Build UK (Michaela Wain)
  • Harrisons Estate Agents (Clint Hibbert)
  • Bain Plumbing Services (Colin Bain)
  • Maura Jackson Back Up North West
  • Anna-Marie Watters Hub Westhoughton Charity
  • Carren Bell - Lagan’s Foundation