Winners revealed at the Bolton News Business Awards 2026

The busy ceremony took place over the course of several hours, as the winners in the 11 available categories took to the stage to accept their awards.

Arbworks Ltd (Image: Dan Dougherty)

As well the the ten businesses and charities up for nominations, there was also the very special lifetime achievement award, which this year went to Dr Ged O’Dwyer, chair of the North West Aerospace Alliance.

Mr O’Dwyer said: “It’s unbelievable – I’m absolutely staggered.

“It’s completely out of the blue. I’ve sat on that table all night with my colleagues and they never said a word – I don’t trust anybody anymore!

The Wellbeing Farm (Image: Dan Dougherty)

“I’m so blessed to have a great family and colleagues. It’s beautiful.”

Winner of this year’s coveted Best Customer Service award was Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals, who operate from Bridge Street Business Park.

Taking home the Heart of the Community award was Bolton Hospice, while the Family Business of the Year was won by Harrison’s Estate Agents Bolton.

This year’ prestigious Business of the Year award went to Boundary Gate and Barrier, a Bolton-based security system installation service.

Harrisons Estate Agents (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Melanie Yeardley of Boundary Gate and Barrier said: “We’re honoured, it’s fantastic.

“It’s great because we were born in Bolton and made in Bolton, so it’s fantastic to be given this recognition.”

Chorley-based outdoor leisure and learning spot The Anderton Centre took home the Apprenticeship, Training and Skills award, while arborist service Arbworks North West took home the Environmental / Sustainability award.

Bolton Hospice (Image: Dan Dougherty)

Winner of the Retail/Leisure and Hospitality Business of the Year award was Bolton Stalwart The Octagon Theatre, and it was Market Place Bolton that took home the sought-after Flying the Flag for Bolton award.

Sustainable, zero-waste events venue The Wellbeing Farm won this year’s Wellbeing Award, and the SME (small to medium) Business Award went to Horwich‘s Stirling Furniture Design.