I CAN hardly believe that it is 12 months since our last Bolton and Bury Business Awards — and I am sure those of you who attended last year will agree that it was a super night of celebration.

I remember quite clearly last year expressing concern at the turbulence the economy was experiencing, but that initial disquiet seems to have paled into insignificance following the unprecedented events in a whole host of business sectors in the past few months.

So, once again this year we will be getting together in tough times.

But the aim of the awards is to forget about the difficulties we all face and to instead focus on the undoubted achievements of many of our local companies who continue to prove that the business communities in Bolton and Bury are well and truly thriving.

All throughout the year in the business pages of The Bolton News and the Bury Times and on our websites, we highlight local firms and entrepreneurs who are battling against difficult conditions to carve a niche in their own particular markets.

I am delighted to report that filling our pages, in print and online, with inspiring news about local business is never a problem.

Each year at the awards, I am heartened by the high calibre, and variety, of entrants and 2009 is no exception.

We have plenty to look forward to in Bolton and Bury.

In Bolton, we are still on track to bring in 16,000 new jobs in the next decade as part of a £1.2 billion masterplan.

And in Bury, the ambitious Rock Triangle development is forging ahead. Cranes dominate the skyline and it is clear that the centre will be transformed for the better in a matter of months.

Naturally, this huge project will create jobs at the same time as completely modernising the heart of Bury, with new shops, homes and leisure outlets.

I would like to thank all those who have helped to put together this year’s Awards including all our sponsors. Business Council is our main sponsor and thanks must also go to newcomers Wilds of Radcliffe, Business Link, the North West Regional Development Agency and Bury College.

Times are tough, but what better way to push gloomy thoughts aside than spending an evening of fun, meeting new friends and learning about some truly inspiring and excellent local businesses. I look forward to meeting you all there.